April 8, 2023

There’s a lot to say, so many people to thank and so many feelings I’m feeling right now. My heart is bursting with gratitude!

First off, I want to thank my Heavenly Father, who led me here on this path and who has opened up a new chapter of my life that I could’ve never dreamed of. I also want to thank my friends and family who lifted me with their words of encouragement and prayers.

To my campaign manager, Ashley Al-Shawish, who pushed me to greatness. Thank you for putting up with my late-night calls and my being so new to the political world. Thank you to Parents Changing Education for your endorsement and all of your support. To Scott O’Brien, who shared his knowledge with me and helped with stats and strategies, which helped keep me calm when the fire was amped up. To Rachl Aguirre for helping me stay calm, cool, and collected. You were so positive. It really helped motivate me to keep pushing through. To Christine Bushyhead and Stephanie Franklin, thank you for helping me dot all of my i’s and cross all of my t’s. You have no idea how grateful I was to have your ladies’ help. To Angela Points Schumer, your tech skills were a lifesaver. Thank you so much! Thank you to Chuck Quesenberry and WE THE PEOPLE….of Jackson County MO for having confidence in me and encouraging me to be myself. To Eimee Edington-Cook, Dana and Chad White, Kristin Witte Grubbs, Donna Gordon, Sheri Hand, Jean Davis, and my JACO Parents Association friends. You have become like family, and I couldn’t have done any of this without your support.

Thank you for your likes, shares, and comments in the FB world. You are officially my people! Thank you, Darla Miller, for being ready at all times to support me in whatever capacity I needed. Thank you to Lance Dillenschneider and Storm Dillenschneider for your generosity and encouragement. You have no idea; this meant the world to me! To Patty McWilliams and my BSF prayer warriors, your spiritual steadiness got me all the way past the first finish line. Praise God!

To my supporters who spent many hours door-knocking, handing out fliers, displaying my signs, donating money to my campaign, and spreading the word. None of this was small to me but actually helped in securing my seat on the school board. Your kindness will never be forgotten. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my patient husband, Doug, who wore many hats during this campaign. Thank you for your constant and unwavering support and encouragement to make this dream a reality. To my two children, Lola and Jesse, thank you for helping me cover ground and door knocking.

To the LSR7 citizens, I am humbled and honored to be one of your new school board members. I will give everything I’ve got to serve you. Thank you!

Regina Garrett