Ron Polk
Position: House Principal
School: James Logan High School
School District: New Haven Unified School District
City, State: Union City, CA
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Ron Polk was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.
Mr. Polk is a genuine educator who demonstrates his concern for all students, but especially those at-risk or academically challenged. He goes out of his way to be a mentor and friend to many students at James Logan High School. Mr. Polk organizes meetings with parents in the community who also share his passion of helping students graduate and get a chance to walk across the stage. He does this outside of his normal scope of duties, which is why he's a LifeChanger in his community!
Hello everyone, Ron was my brother-in-law for 10 years, he was married to my sister from Barcelona Spain, I will always have him in my memories he was very good to me and my family, I was living with him in 1996 he knows who I am, I'm glad. very much that things are going well for you.
Ron is such a great leader and role model for our students. He genuinely cares about his community and staff and goes above and beyond to help students. He assumes positive intent and has a great work ethic. Congratulations on your nomination! You deserve it.
Ron Polk is a dedicated, thoughtful, and caring administrator who goes out of his way to look out for the students and staff at Logan High School. I've had the honor of working along side him as a House Principal in House 3, and I could not have gotten a better partner as I've started my administrative career. Ron's calm demeanor, ability to build connections with students, and thoughtful responses to student conflict all make him an administrator that I respect and look up to as a model. Congratulations, Ron!
Thank you for being there for the students.
Mr. Polk came to Logan two years ago. His kindness, sense of humor, calmness was noticed by all at Logan. He immediately made a connection with students and staff because of this. He comes across as an old friend. His ability to listen, advise or comfort a person in their situation has made him a person many gravitate too in time of need knowing that he will stop what he is doing to listen to you. He created a support group for young men that have done well with his guidance in academics and their personal lives. He rewards them for their efforts by special outings they look forward to. In my time here, I haven't seen such a role model for our young men. We hope that by reading all the comments about Mr. Polk, you see that he is making an impact here at Logan High and is Changing the Lives of others.
Mr. Polk Has truly impacted the people in our torn up school. There is so much memes you forget to breathe.
Mr. Polk supports the staff on a professionally and and personally. He gets to know a little about each of us, which makes us feel comfortable and appreciated for what we do. He works well with even the most challenging of students by communicating and planning with them. Students feel like they have an opportunity to speak and be heard. Our school and our community are lucky to have him with us!
Kind, genuine, and hardworking are a few words to describe Ron. He is an amazing soul who is always willing to help you out accompanied by a huge smile! Ron has been there to help out and support students and their families when the students were too scared to come out and fight for what they knew was wrong, but Ron was there to help support them. He is a great listener and an amazing role model to the young men and women in our community. He is a great asset to our Logan family.
Mr. Polk is truly genuine,kind,calm and understanding of each and every situation he faces daily. He does not discriminate the issue(s) put upon him, instead he resolves matters with dignity and fairness. He has the ability to resolve one's issues without degrading one's self-esteem.
Ron has been a great English Learner Program Administrator. He cares about our students, and takes the time to talk with them individually. Especially with some of our more challenging Spanish-speaking boys, I know that if I send them to Ron, he can get them to reflect on how their behavior does or doesn't match their goals for high school or beyond. I'm sure that his personal touch has helped students who were at risk of dropping out to go on graduate.
Mr. Polk is an excellent administrator and colleague. As a program administrator, he helps out with everything from chaperoning trips to going to bat for us with the district. As an evaluator, he is supportive, encouraging, professional, and kind. Students and staff alike respect Mr. Polk, and he respects them: addressing students as equals and treating his colleagues as though each and every one of them holds a doctorate in education. Congratulations to Mr. Polk for this nomination! He is most deserving!
Throughout my time in High School, Mr. Polk has been one of the most caring and kindhearted individuals that I have been around. I love how he is always actively involved in school activities and makes time to come out to the football games, even if its an away game. Congrats Mr. Polk!
Mr. Polk is the most genuine man that I know. Every day at school us students had the pleasure of seeing him out and about talking to kids and spreading positivity with his presence outside of the office. He attended after school events such as athletic games and rally events at an astounding rate. Personally, seeing him on the sidelines at a football game was inspiring because he epitomized the wonderful community that I had the opportunity to play for. What sets him apart from the other wonderful faculty is how much he genuinely cares about students at James Logan; this is proven by his actions. When a student comes to him with a problem, he addresses it with specific consideration for the situation, not with standard procedures or safe recommendations. I can never thank him enough for what he has done for me, including showing me the kind of man I want to become by being that man himself. Mr. Polk is a life changer because he helps students in a creative way like no one else does and sets a perfect example for young men and women to follow. He is truly a blessing to our community and the world needs more people like him.
He's truly deserving of this nomination. As a great person, he is also a great teacher, one that influences a student to make the world a better place.
Ive seen first hand that Mr. Polk is a kindhearted man who will go out of his way to help out a student , and he deserves this nomination
Congratulations Mr.Polk , you are amazing !!!!
Ron immediately puts you at ease with his friendly, warm demeanor. He goes out of his way to resolve issues with students and support all concerned. We are fortunate that he is part of the Logan family!
Mr. Polk is so down to earth! The most genuine person ever! I thank him all the time because he deserves the credit! He is a very positive, there is never a time we won't laugh. I love talking to him! I will definitely find the time to talk to him in the week and it's not only to discuss how the Raiders are doing. I would like to say he goes out of his way to help anyone! Over the years he's seen me grow and I'm so blessed to have such a great house principle. Congrats on the nomination!
Brother Ron Polk is truly deserving of this award. He has gone above and beyond the call to Support youth and families. The most important part of that is that he goes into a situation not allowing any judgement or prejudice to limit his service and Support. He has a Mentoring program, has taken youth from middle and high School on field trips, started an after school homework and tutoring session, engaged other men from the community to share their professional backgrounds and stories with young men, been an advocate for building community relations, and is a bilingual Brother able to connect with Black and Latino community. I’m thoroughly impressed and proud of him.
Congratulations on the nomination, Mr. Polk!
A very deserving recognition. “Ron” is dedicated advocate for students of all needs and social backgrounds. I had the honor of working with him in his efforts to support student success. During his first year at Logan he developed a support network for students and made great gains in providing those students an avenue for academic growth and achievement.
My personal thanks to Ron and congratulations on this recognition...
As a coworker of Mr. Polk I can validate his commitment to the youth of our school's community. He does an outstanding job motivating them to be the best that they can be. Good luck, Mr. Polk, in earning a well-deserved honor.
This nominee is a terrific person! He is so approachable by all students and staff. He is very sharp, does not let anything get by him and is also very sensitive to student needs. It has been a real pleasure of mine working with this fine gentleman! This is a truly wonderful colleague.
Mr. Polk is always in an upbeat mood, and has an excellent rapport with students. As a teacher at James Logan High School, Mr. Polk has always always assisted me with any issues, in a prompt manner. I truly appreciate how his competence and compassion makes my job easier. He is very deserving of this honor!
Mr. Polk is who we should all strive to be when we grow up. In a place as large as James Logan High School, it is easy to feel lost in the shuffle; yet Mr. Polk is the type of Principal/Administrator who makes sure all employees, no matter what their position/job title, feel they're a valued part of the team. He checks in with people and genuinely listens to them. He never makes you feel like you're keeping him from something more important because YOU are important to him in that moment. He follows through with concerns because your concern becomes his concern too. He is unflappable in stressful situations and steadfast in his dedication to his leadership role. He makes a difference each day for all he comes into contact with albeit students, parents, teachers, or support staff. We are truly blessed to have him at our school. He is definitely a life changer.
Without prior knowledge of the "Life Changer of the Year" award, and finding out through email that Ron Polk was nominated for this prestigious accolade, I immediately nodded my head in agreement because he is an honorable human being who is deserving of recognition. Since my first encounter with Ron, I've felt a genuine kinship that only a truly caring, compassionate, and confident individual is able to share. Professionally and personally he is the same individual - a man of high morale character and integrity. He intends to make a positive difference and he has the skills, patience, and determination to do so. He deserves this award bar none.
Please choose Mr. Polk for this award. He is a LifeChanger in our greater New Haven community!
He also helps the staff feel important by really listening to their thoughts and concerns. While "Hi, how are you?" may be cursory to some, it is not with Mr. Polk. He is really interested in how you are doing.
Congratulations on the nomination! You deserve it!!!!
Mr. Polk is an amazing colleague and friend. He has supported my team and I since he joined us. He is a great person to be around, he is friendly, funny, and frank :) I appreciate what he does for our Program, our students and our school. It is great to see how students and staff respect him and feel comfortable talking to him. He is an advocate for our students and staff and ensures that the best is done for the school. He is a Life Changer, exactly what students need in a difficult stage in their lives. Thank you Mr. Polk!
Mr.Polk will get my vote! He is always very positive and welcomes all the new students and helps us when we need it. Thank you Mr.Polk for all you do!
Mr. Polk is deserving of this recognition.
Fantastic administrator and cares deeply about all students at Logan.
Mr. Polk is a fantastic role model for our students here at JLHS. He is big and strong, yet compassionate and understanding. He might be stressed on the inside but he never lets staff or students know this. He walks with some 'pep in his step' and is quick with a smile or a high five. I am impressed with his ability to wear so many different hats and maintain a calm exterior. His leadership and mentoring for our youth is instrumental in making a change for the better. I'm glad he's on my team.
Mr. Polk is supportive of teachers while collaborating with students to produce the best personal and professional growth. He is friendly and approachable. Knowing Spanish is helpful too!
It is a pleasure to work with Mr. Polk and I support his nomination with confidence.
I have only known Ron Polk a short time. In that time, I have seen that Ron is the type of person who makes a lasting impact on the lives of every one he comes across. Ron is a man with an easy smile, but knows when to play it tough or serious. Communities need more people like Ron Polk. I wholeheartedly endorse Ron Polk as a Life Changer.
I have observed Ron work with one of my most challenging students, who often resorts to anger and explodes. Ron can intercept him and calmly address his behaviors in a way that does not escalate this studen's emotions. He acknowledges this student in a way that lets the young man know he matters and he is cared for while at the same time help he see his behaviors as needing to change.
I am a colleague of Ron and have worked a great deal with him to help some of the most troubled and disadvantaged students. I have been impressed by how well he has been able to find the ideal balance between being personable and relatable with students while still being serious and results focused. He's the real deal and earns the trust of students and coworkers with his consistency and excellence.
Ron Polk is an amazing principal and very kind person, he treats everyone as equals. He is very deserving of this award.
He is always there for the students, making a difference!
As a house principal You helped me through Everything Mr Polk It does not matter you win this or not, but you are my LifeChanger.
Mr Polk is a really nice person and such a leader. He is like a father on campus just someone I can talk to that’s not a parent but it is still an adult.
Ron has also been such a supportive administrator. He listens and really wants to help you in whatever situation may arise. He is kind and always full of humor which instantly puts everyone at ease. He is a shining example of our Logan community.
Ron is always smiling and such a positive presence at our school, we're lucky to have him. Hearty congratulations to him on this honor!
Mr. Polk is great at what he does.
Me and Ron attend UCD Davis together and played football for the Aggies. We played on defense; He was the left cornerback and I was on the right side. His nick name was "ICE", because he was just so cool under pressure. This has followed him as a Principle. It's a lot more pressure to be an educator than a football player, that takes the responsibility pointing kids in the right direction of life. I believe this is his calling " from God", and he is a blessing to his family, co-workers, staff and students.
Linton Hall
A8 is a good man, He's got my vote. Congratulations Mr Polk
Ron is an all around great guy and he loves his kids. He's a great father, educator, friend and human being. I am very grateful to have met Ron and any time our paths cross we always enjoy each other's company. I hope you bring it home!
I really cannot say enough about this man. I had my first opportunity to work with Ron Polk when I was still a Masters student at CSU East Bay. I had the honor of serving my 2nd year internship with Ron at San Leandro High School. During that year of working with him and watching him interact with students I learned so much and grew exponentially as an educator. It was during that time that I learned to interact with students on so many different levels by emulating things that I had learned from Ron Polk. He has an amazing ability to meet students on their level which goes a long way in facilitating positive change within students and on campuses. Working with Ron has given me an opportunity to learn and grow as an educator so much that when I had the opportunity to work with him again as a counselor at James Logan High School it was an absolute no brainer.
As the only African American male administrator on a campus of over 3,000 students, Ron serves as a beacon of hope for many of our African American male students here at James Logan High School.
He is extremely successful in filling the multiple roles of his position as an administrator, masterfully juggling the hats of youth advocate, mentor, administrator, counselor, and colleague. The impact of his presence here at Logan is both powerful and life-changing for our students as well as our staff.
He directly organizes and coordinates the Million Dollar Minds program here on campus, which works to empower these young men to develop positive self-images, to recognize their own untapped intellectual potential, and to strive toward both personal and academic excellence. This year he has been the driving force behind organizing an additional mentoring group called "AMULET" that brings successful African American males from our local community in to serve as advocates, mentors, and trainers for some of our students. Ron's vision is to provide as many positive avenues for advancement as possible for our male students of color in order to directly combat the stigma of hopelessness, tragedy, and despair that impacts many of their lives.
As an African American male alumni of this school, and now a teacher here myself, Ron's tireless dedication is a powerful reminder of how absolutely vital the work that we do truly is. Ron inspires me to reach new heights in my classroom, and I see him as a valued mentor and a trusted friend. I am extremely proud to offer him my unwavering endorsement for the LifeChanger of the Year award!
Dont always have a chance to say it but I appreciate you , as my boss but even more as my friend.
As superintendent, I am ecstatic that someone took the time to nominate Ron Polk for this honor. Ron Polk has been an amazing asset to New Haven Unified School District. He carries himself with a sense of dignity that garners respect from students and staff. When he gives his word, you don't need a promise. His word is as good as money in the bank. His work is people and he pours his heart and soul into his work. Even when he does not really have time, he makes time for people. Ron has expanded his outreach by connecting the school to outside agencies, using them as a resource to support and exhort students to be better human beings. Ron is comfortable working with the highest achieving students, as well as the most challenging students. Often times when trying to describe a person like Ron, I feel like I need to be Toni Morrison or Maya Angelou to do him justice. Let me just say that Ron Polk is a person of high character; someone who sets a good example of who parents might look to for their sons to emulate. That is the highest compliment I can make on his behalf. I fully support him for this honor.
Ron, congratulations praise God! I'm so proud of your accomplishments. I knew when you were born you would do great things. I so proud of you most of the time (smile) you are my son, my pride, my joy. You once stated if you could just help one student. Continue to remember that. To all the nominees thanks for your Life Changes in your community may God bless you all.Congratulations! You go RTP!!!
Ron Polk is a great Principal, leader, boss and friend. He goes above and beyond to let the students and staff know he truly cares. Ron is a true stand up kinda man, that the students can depend on and trust. He's exactly in the right position to lead these young adults down the right path. His compassion, encouraging ways and honesty, draw the young men and women at JLHS to seek him out for advice and guidance. He has had a huge impact on campus with all that come into his path.
Much respect Mr Polk, you are in a league of your own.
I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ron over the past 9 years and can attest to his commitment to genuinely serving students and families. He can easily build relationships with anyone, has the ability to think BIG picture and gets jobs completed. Definitely does more than your average educator by walking the walk not just talking the talk. Truly deserving of this honor, on behalf of your old SLUSD leadership team, good luck and continue your plight to advocate for the disenfranchised youth.
One of the most critical chapters in our children’s lives is the education system. Not only do they learn academics, they learn about life, inside and outside the system.
Mr. Polk embodies the definition of Life Changer. He not only transfers his academic knowledge to all students, he takes it upon himself to help those students who require that “extra push.” He doesn’t just teach and usher them out the door, he follows through to make sure they have been given every opportunity to graduate and to transfer the knowledge and skills as they start their new lives.
All students at James Logan High School love and trust Mr. Polk. They know that he cares about them now, and that he will not stop caring even after they walk off the graduation stage.
Mr polk was not only a mentor for me throughout my final 2 years of high school, he is someone I have known since I was young. Although we are not blood, he is my uncle. He has helped me, guided me, and treated me as if I was. When I needed advice for passing a class, or any college preparation, it is almost like he made it a priority to give that helping hand. It was not only with me because we were family, he made sure any student who came to hin for help was taken care of. He never leaves any student in the dark. It is one of the many great things about him; his willingness to help out and the fact that he doesnt make a big deal out of it. My junior year he organized a group called Million Dollar Minds. The group was made up of some of the schools Black males. He held meetings for us and even took us on a field trip to see statues of African American heroes. The trip taught us valuable history. He took us out to lunch and brought us back safely. He did not ask for one thank you. He does these type of things and does not expect anything back, he does it for the sake of the students. He is a house principal, with a lot on his plate, and still managed to write me a letter of recommendation for a scholarship within 2 days. Although I did not win the award, the fact that he did it with no hesitation was eye opening to me. I highly respect this man for who he is and the work he puts in for the people around him. He is someone I have, and always will look up to.
Ron Polk has always been passionate about education. At Pittsburg High he would go out of his way to help students in need. The students, faculty and Parents thought highly of mr. Poke. He will always be missed at Pittsburg High.
Ron is a problem-solver and is very down to earth. He knows how to handle students and guide them to make good decisions. He supports his colleagues to make their jobs easier. He is firm when necessary, but always compassionate. He is a fantastic "boss".
Mr. Ron Polk has been a constant reminder of what I can accomplish with a strong work ethic, genuinely working to help others, and remaining consistent on a daily basis. I've had the privilege to work at the same school as Mr. Polk and he has assisted me with multiple programs and events on campus. His office is always open and he is willing to provide advice for both personal and work related situations. Ultimately, I think Mr. Polk should win the life changer of the year award due to his willingness to put others first and his uncanny ability to connect with the youth while steering them in the right direction.
When I was named the principal at Central Junior High School and later at Pittsburg High School one of my first hires was Ron Polk, first as a Vice Principal at Central Junior High and then as our lead Assistant Principal al at Pittsburg High School. Both of these hires were key to the success that our administrative team experienced at both schools. Ron Polk is intelligent, ethical, thoughtful and an excellent communicator. Ron's bilingual skill set allowed to engaged many our parents in a manner made them feel welcome and comfortable. It is Ron's compassion and genuine desire to see all children succeed allows him to establish a strong foundation of trust and understanding with all students that facilitates the student's eventual path to success. It is the rare administrator ho can balance understanding with discipline to help a school achieve an atmosphere were all students are comfortable, safe and encouraged to reach their potential in all aspects of a comprehensive high school from the classroom, to the athletic field and the arts. I can say without hesitation that Ron Polk is one of the finest educators that I came in contact with during my more than four decades in education!
Ron Polk is an awesome man. He is dedicated to providing opportunities to youth through education. I have known him for over half of my life and have the utmost respect and love for this man for who he is and what he has chosen as a career-educating youth. Fantastic individual. Much Love for Ron Polk!
All-around amazingly genu8ne
Ron Polk is an honest great man who’s impacted a lot of people in his community and communities around him. Not only is he my uncle but he’s a great example of someone who I want my kids to inspire to be like. He puts everyone’s needs above his own and always has the best words of encouragement to give. He’s dedicated to making sure you never give up no matter the situation. He’s changed the way students look at principles , and he always takes time out of his day to help those who need it. Not only does he help students academically but also with sports and personally as a friend . He has a caring heart and has been that way for as long as I can remember . Students remember his name and constantly check in with him even after graduation. He’s an all around great person and is more than a team player . He’s a life changer. Go Ron!!!!!
Ron came into my life when he met and married my sister. I have watched him work with kids for many years. He has worked at numerous schools and has encounter many students. No matter what their story was or life style Ron would always talk to them with respect and would genuinely want to help the best way he could. A lot of the students Ron has worked with come from various back grouds and homes that are not always the best. Ron takes the time to talk with them, wanting to know their concerns or struggles and will guide them to the steps to take to achieve their goals. I am Ron sister in law, there are times when we are out to a family dinner or doing something as a family and we will here someone say “Hey Mr. Polk” and it’s one of the students or or a former student that wants to show respect and shake Ron hand because of the impact Ron has left on them. The students want Ron to know what has been going on in their lives weather it be getting a job and working to provide for themselves or their family or just to let Ron know they are in college and what they plan to do in life. For me as his family to watch these encounters and hear students, former students, colleagues or former colleagues speak of Ron highly is such a honor. Ron was nominated for the life changer of the year award which is huge and a great complement to Ron as a person and an educator. Ron has touched a lot of lives and encourages positivity not just to his students or colleague but to his family also.
Thank you for taking the time to read my comment.
Ron Polk has been changing lives since 95. As i glance through the nominees from all over the United States, I know Ron has already won, just being listed with so many great people.. Changing lives is giving, caring and time, all long time ago before being an educator Ron Polk was always caring and giving, now that he has the time, being in education, his life of giving and caring has brought us to Nominate him for this Life Changer Award. I could tell a million stories about Ron Polk at Pittsburg High, Coaching Football and Baseball, teaching History and every student wanted Mr. Polk as their History teacher. When he became Vice Principal and all the long and short meetings and conversations with students to help them understand the inportance of education and success by graduating. I know it is his job but he is really really good at it, he puts his Heart and Soul into it, so in my mind and heart, he is the best Life Changer. I want to tell Ron Polk and the rest of the Nominees, THANK YOU for what you do.
Ron Polk is a very patient involved individual who takes pride in helping his students and all people who need assistance . He takes time to listen and give advice when needed . Not afraid to say I don’t know but I will give you the resources to find out. Great and perfect nominee.
Mr.Polk goes above and beyond for every student and demanding greatness from this. He supports them in their dreams and goals and tries his best to set them on the right path with the right tools. He is a inspirational person and relatable.
I have known Ron Polk for over 10 years (married to daughter); he not only married my daughter, he accepted my grandchildren as his own from the very first day of meeting them. He has raised my grandchildren with respect and knowledge that has helped each of them in their own way whether it was fighting with their mom, their siblings or a friend, or trying to decide what to do with their lives. He is everything that you would want for your daughter and grandchildren.
He gave up all of his free time to mentor one of my granddaughters through her softball career whether practicing with her in the backyard or taking her to games in the bay area or traveling to another state or city, just so she can fulfill her dreams.
I have watched him diffuse situations with ease, his calm voice always helps talking with children and even adults. Most adults just hear kids, not Ron he actually listens to them and helps them through the issue at hand. It doesn't matter where you are with Ron (e.g. restaurant, Mall) he always runs into someone that he has touched in his career, you will hear MR. POLK, MR. POLK do you remember me? And he always will say yes you are ____. To have met so many children in his career and to actually remember their names years later is astonishing. And he usually can remember what the connection was with that person too.
Most mother in laws have some issues with the man that marries their daughter, they always feel that there is no man that will be good enough, but I have met that man and I'm thankful every day that he came into our family. He is a strong man that will not sit back and see someone struggle (whether a child or an adult) and not try to help.
I strongly recommend Ron Polk for Life Changer of the Year!
Ron Polk is an awesome man. He is dedicated to providing opportunities to youth through education. I have known him for over half of my life and have the utmost respect and love for this man for who he is and what he has chosen as a career-educating youth. Fantastic individual. Much Love for Ron Polk!
Polk, as he is affectionately known has been an educator, coach, mentor & friend for 25 years. I count on his wisdom & friendship now as many of us did back in 1993. So proud he continues to serve & train our youth with as much joy, laughter & revelance today as he did a generation ago! I proudly stand by Polk’s nomination & congrats to James Logan HS for partnering with educators of character & substance!
Truly the best man I have ever met. He goes above and beyond to help anybody in whatever way he can. Such a selfless and genuine person. I do not know of anybody more deserving of this award than him.
Ron is my uncle but also one of my mentors as well. He has been so influential to me during my lifetime. I looked up to him and all of his accomplishments when I was a little child. In fifth grade I wrote a paper on how he was the one person I admired the most. He was in high school when I was born and he has always been one of my favorite people. He has always treated me as one of his own kids just like he does with all of his students he has taught in his many years as an educator. Everywhere I go, banks, retail stores etc I always run into some one who notices my last name "Polk" and will ask "oh my gosh, are you related to Mr. Polk! He was my favorite teacher, please tell him I say hi!" He is loved by ALL. When my dad passed away 4 years ago, he stepped in as a father figure. He walked me down the isle at my wedding. He was there for me when my daughter was born and continues to spoil her. He looks after everyone because he is the most genuine person you will ever meet. I am so proud to be a part of his family and very happy he is nominated as life changer of the year. There is no one else who deserves it more :)
Congratulations on the nomination!!! Could not think of anyone more deserving then you. You always go out of your way to help people whether you’re at work or in your personal life. It is simply amazing to me that no matter what school you go to, you always turn that school around for the positive and so many students respect you. Congratulations again and really do hope you win.
