CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Students, faculty and community leaders gathered at Zama Middle High School last month for a farewell celebration to honor the contributions of the outgoing assistant principal.
The Jan. 10 event celebrated Natasha Anderson’s tenure at the school as both the Special Education instructional specialist and as the assistant principal.
The school’s gymnasium was packed for the farewell, which also featured a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard, a chorus rendition of the American and Japanese national anthems, student and faculty reflections, and an awards presentation.
ZMHS Student Council President Aaliya Ismail and Senior Class Representative Juliet Bitor spoke about Anderson’s impact on the entire student population.
“From the moment Mrs. Anderson joined the Zama family … she has been beyond amazing and positive,” Bitor said, “whether she’s planning school dances, supporting students through challenges, or cheering us on from the sidelines at school events.”
“Her excitement for education and student success is contagious,” Ismail added. “From her spirited participation in Spirit Week to her tireless support for our most ambitious projects, Mrs. Anderson inspires everyone around her to bring the best energy and ideas to the table.”
“While we are sad to see you leave, we are also so excited for what lies ahead of you,” Bitor said. “You will always be a part of the Zama family, and we will carry your lessons and your spirit with us wherever we go.”
School teacher Joanna Wyche thanked Anderson for her constant enthusiasm.
“I will never forget our first meeting when you … introduced yourself as our new assistant principal,” Wyche said. “Since then, your excitement, energy, motivation and visions of excellence have radiated in each and every thing that you’ve engaged.”
Army and Navy commanders from both Camp Zama and the nearby Naval Air Facility Atsugi also spoke of Anderson’s tireless support to both communities.
“Every single interaction I have had with Mrs. Anderson left me thankful that this was where we were sending our kids,” Capt. Nicholas Leclerc, the NAF Atsugi commanding officer, said. “The effort, the energy, and the emotion she puts into what she does every day shows in the way our students come back to Atsugi.
“I can’t imagine anyone else that I would want to be taking care of the kids and the families from Naval Air Facility Atsugi team than what Mrs. Anderson has provided for us,” Leclerc added. “So, thank you so much for everything you have done.”
Col. Marcus Hunter, U.S. Army Garrison Japan commander, also lauded Anderson for helping bring the two communities together through her support of the students.
“We have a very big family here, where we come from two different communities … which means there’s a lot of different points of view and struggles that we have when we all come together.” Hunter said. “Through the leadership of our vice principal and the entire team here, we become stronger because of it.”
Hunter also said he appreciated Anderson for serving as such an outstanding role model for the students.
“Trojans (the ZMHS mascot) are leaders everywhere you go, and that means that people see your good acts and want to follow you,” Hunter said. “Mrs. Anderson, your good acts are ones that we all want to follow … and so we thank you for your example and everything that you’ve sacrificed for us.”
U.S. Army Japan Commander Maj. Gen. David Womack also recognized Anderson, presenting her a Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and the command’s Order of the Bushido, presented to those who exemplify the virtues of righteousness, courage, benevolence, respect, sincerity, honor, loyalty, and self-control.
Recently arrived ZMHS Principal James Rippard said he could not have asked for a better partner, and that he would miss Anderson tremendously as she moved to the next chapter in her career.
“We thank you for your unwavering commitment, your leadership, and your friendship,” Rippard said. “Once a Trojan, always a Trojan. We wish you nothing but the very best in this new adventure.”
Anderson said she was amazed by the ceremony.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” she said. “My village is my parents, my students, my wonderful family, Mr. Rippard, and the leadership as well. I vowed two years ago to bring Zama Middle High School and Atsugi together, and I feel like we are together. To see our wonderful leaders sitting here today, it makes me proud.”
Anderson also personally thanked the students.
“And to my students, who are the best gift — besides my children and my husband — I love you immensely,” she said. “I know I have the best students, and I hope where I’m going, my students are thirty percent of what you’ve given me. I want you to know that each of you have played a tremendous part in building me as a leader, and I thank you immensely for today.”
In a final email message to parents, Anderson reflected on her time at Camp Zama.
“I am filled with a profound sense of emotion, reflecting on the cherished memories created during my tenure at Camp Zama,” Anderson wrote. “I carry invaluable lessons and friendships that have shaped my journey.
“Every moment spent at Zama has been a true gift, and I am forever grateful for the support, encouragement, and love each of you has shown me,” she concluded. “You have been more than just parents and guardians; you have become family!”
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