CityView Magazine

CityViewNC .com | 13 going to praise them; that I love them and want the best for them. ey try because they know that I care. Even in six hours, we've built a relationship, and I really cherish that." Bell estimates that she's taught swimming lessons to nearly 3,000 people. She is now teaching the children of some of her very first students. She can count 16 private pools where her sessions have taken place, and is grateful for the many families who have offered their backyards to her over the years. She reflects on her 47 years of teaching and marvels at the things that have changed. She remembers the early years when proud parents showed up on the last day of lessons, unzipped bulky black camcorders from their bags and hoisted them to their shoulders to record their little ones' first solo laps. "Now my parents are there taking videos and pictures on their phones, and I don't even know they're doing it," she said. Although much has changed over the years, tradition remains on graduation day. Parents and siblings still crowd the poolside and watch with great anticipation as their students line up at the diving board. One by one, the children step onto the platform and wait for Mrs. Gwen to shout, "Go!" With newfound confidence, they leap off the end and meet the water below. eir little feet and arms propel them through the water as they concentrate on coming up for even breaths. When their hands meet the wall on the opposite side of the pool, their faithful teacher is there to meet them with a hug and a "You did it!" Let me tell you, it is really something to witness the look of pure joy and accomplishment on those small children's dripping wet faces as they hoist themselves from the water and look back to see how far they've come. "When a child takes swimming lessons, they're learning, even at 3 or 4 years old, that when they face their fears and come out on the other side, they have overcome something that they were initially unsure about," Bell said. "ey've learned a new skill, and hopefully that they can always be brave enough to try." Claire Mullen can be reached at clairejlmullen@gmail.com. 910.868.5131 | 3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 | www.fayacademy.org Fayetteville Academy Fayetteville Academy admits qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religion in the administration of admissions, educational policies, financial aid, athletic programs, or other activities. Preparing students for college and beyond CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE! CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE! WE ARE OPENING ON CAMPUS ON AUGUST 19TH FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR. RANKED #1 IN THE NICHE.COM 2020 BEST PRIVATE K-12 SCHOOLS IN THE FAYETTEVILLE AREA The 25 members of the Class of 2020 were offered more than $2.7 million in college scholarships and grants. 76 percent of AP exams taken resulted in a score of 3 or higher. Chromebook and iPad programs | Grades 4-7 LEGO ® Robotics Team Middle/Upper School STEAM SmartLab ® | Lower School SmartLabs ® opening Fall 2020 More than $500,000 in need-based financial aid awarded annually to qualified applicants. FDIC INSURED All we see is you , NOW TRUIST

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