Sophia Watkins and I met 14 years ago when we both worked as teachers at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. We began planning the Chorus Banquet food together and developed a friendship over many years of visiting each other's classrooms daily and openly sharing our faith while also challenging each other to grow spiritually. Sophia became more than just a coworker, but a true friend who provided support through many happy and difficult times together.

1. Sophia

2. I met Sophia Watkins 14
years ago at Stoneman
Douglas High School in
Parkland, FL where we both
worked as teachers.

3. It was my second year at the school
as the Chorus Director and one of the
Assistant Principals suggested I speak
to a lady by the name of Mrs.
Watkins, who was the Food Prep
teacher to cater our Chorus Banquet.
I went to her class and asked if she
was Mrs. Watkins. She replied yes.

4. I said to her I needed her help
with planning the food for our
banquet. We started planning
and that began our friendship.
Over the years I visited her class
on nearly a daily basis. Seeking
samples of what ever was being
cooked by the students on that
day.

5. I found Sophia to be very
supportive. When I say
supportive I don't mean she
always agreed with me. For
example, we openly shared
our faith with each other.

6. From time to time we would
encourage and challenge
one another with Scripture. I
remember her encouraging
me to be faithful to my fast
when she was serving lunch. I
was not happy about that.

7. We laughed and cried
together. We celebrated and
mourned together. We know
each other's family very well.
I'm glad to say we are more
than coworkers, we are
friends.