Amanda Leslie
Counselor Dena Tracanna celebrated her 50th birthday today, accompanied by abundant attention from staff and students.
“ I just had the choir sing some songs to me and that was fabulous,” Tracanna said. “I’m in a good place in my life and I feel great.”
She has already celebrated her birthday, with more festivities to come.
“We had a big family outing on Sunday night, my brother and sister flew in and so that was fabulous, and my father is still with us so that’s wonderful,” Tracanna said. “That was kind of the big shebang, and we are having a family dinner tonight but we’re waiting until the break to do some celebrating with friends.”
This milestone birthday has garnered a good deal of attention from others, but other than that, Tracanna feels the same as any other birthday.
“Well, based on the attention it’s getting it [my birthday] feels a little bit more special but it feels pretty much the same, otherwise just a good reason to celebrate life,” Tracanna said.
Tracanna feels as though she has achieved all she wanted to by this time in her life, and looks back without remorse.
“I feel very fortunate to have the job I always wanted, and to be doing the work I always wanted, a job that’s challenging enough to be a growth opportunity and one that’s rewarding enough to make you feel like you’re doing something important,” Tracanna said. “No regrets, just more things to come.
“I see more dogs, more traveling, and just trying to soak up every day and live in the moment,” Tracanna said.
