So we are ready. Hello. Hi. So what's your name? Tracy. Tracy. You know, we are a part of the
Civic Media Network. We are doing the Truth Pluticolec stories from, you know, local people in Madison,
and thank you for stopping by. Sure. Are you from here? I am. Born and raised. Born and raised in
Madison? Yes. So you probably have a pretty good insight on how like the community has changed
over time, right? Or have you seen any and have you seen the city grow, etc. Yeah, lots of changes,
lots of growth. I was, as I said, born and raised here, and then I left and lived in Chicago
for about 15 years and came back. And I love our city. And so proud of our communities.
And have you been to Edward Fest since they started? Yes. It's been a while. We didn't go last year,
but we always try and come because I, you know, where can you go get free music? Great people
watching excellent food. I love the culture. I love the people. Right. And apparently it's their
10th year anniversary. Yeah. That's what I want. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Any bands that you particularly
like this weekend? Well, I really wanted to see VO5 last night, but we had other obligations. So
whatever I can hear, I just, I usually enjoy all music. Yeah. I caught a little bit of
steely dainst set. Yeah. That was today. That was today. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, you know,
what are you doing, Madison? Or have you done? I run a recovery high school called Horizon High
School. It's a nonprofit. We educate teens and recovery from substance abuse and mental health
issues. Okay. That's great. No. And I imagine, you know, the sort of the, everything happening
right now that must be a very, I don't know, I guess challenging. Yeah. I think since COVID,
it's been really challenging. I mean, take kids with mental health and substance abuse and
stay at home. We're kind of still getting back from the aftermath, but I'm really proud of the
school. Yeah. And we have a contract with the Madison School District and outline school districts.
And our goal is to educate and, you know, build up and keep teenagers alive as many as we can. No,
that sounds like a very rewarding work as well. How long have you been doing that? Well,
it's our 20th anniversary this year and I've been there 19 years. Oh, wow. I was there about six
months after the school started. Wow. Yeah. Great. And they're here in Madison. Right. Right.
Right here in Madison on the west side on the corner of University Ave in Whitney Way. Okay. Well,
that's great. Is there any, do you have any events or anything? We do. We actually have a fall
festival coming up September 18th where Dr. Zorba is pastor is going to come and be our speaker.
And it's basically to inform the public about what we do. Excellent. Where can people find
is there a website or a phone number? Horizon has a website. It's horizonHS.org.
If you google horizon high school Madison, it comes up right away. Okay. Well, we're posting these
on our site so you can share with people and you can talk about. Yeah. Yeah. That's yeah. Excellent.
Is there are there any particular anecdotes that you want to share maybe from, you know,
you know, I just think Madison people, you know, being in the sector of running a nonprofit.
And also I've ain't a sum with type one diabetes and being involved in JDRF. People are so willing
to give. Right. And that's what I most impressed with. It's, you know, you might have a lot going on
or you have a whole bunch of things in your life, but your people are always ready to help.
That's great. Yeah. And it's a very, very tight-knit community for a city, I would say.
You really is. Yeah. There it is. Well, thank you so much for joining us. It's been like,
we'll see you again. Well, thank you. I had no idea what I was getting into. Yeah, this was fun.
All right. Great. Thank you.