September 10, 2010 > Teachers welcomed back with flowers Teachers welcomed back with flowers By Miriam G. Mazliach Photos By Miriam G. Mazliach Fremont Flowers and the Fremont Education Foundation (FEF) teamed up again this year to welcome teachers back for the new school year. On August 31, the day before the start of school, Fremont Flowers invited students to stop by to receive a free rose with a bud vase for their teachers on the students' first day of school, September 1. "Welcome Teacher Day is one of my favorite days of the year...to see the excitement on the children's faces as they prepare for the first day of school. I can't help but get excited for them!" says Dirk Lorenz, owner of Fremont Flowers and Associate FEF Board Member. According to Lorenz's sister, Randy Pinto, the celebration evolved out of "Good Neighbor Day" about 9 years ago, when Lorenz felt that schools and teachers deserved more attention for all their hard work. "We expect to give out over 850 free flowers," added Pinto. "What a great way to start the new year while spreading the word about the programs that the Foundation supports in FUSD schools," said FEF President Sherea Westra. Additionally, as a special "thank you," Fremont Education Foundation volunteers help Fremont Flowers deliver floral bouquets to each school office on the first day of school. President of FUSD School Board and FEF volunteer, Lara York, who came by to help commented, "It puts a smile on the faces of the school office staff and makes them feel grand!"