The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Grads Are Future Leaders

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

17 May 2000

Sunday was a very inspiring day.

Early Sunday morning, in church, my son read a mother's day tribute entitled "Only A Mother" then I responded with "How Could I Have Been So Lucky (to be chosen your mother)?" That was hard to get through.

Then I attended the noon Monmouth College Graduation where President Bush was to speak.

It was a beautiful day and college officials prepared well to greet the former 41st president, and the press.

The graduation was also quite moving. Not only did I get to see one of our great Presidents in person, but I also heard the "Farewell To The College of the young president of the graduating class, Matthew S. Carl.

I couldn't help but think how pleased the President and his wife must have been as they listened to this young man encourage his classmates to make a difference in this world.

He also gave tribute to "his hero" the young lady who fell from a horse over spring break and was not expected to live, but from a wheelchair was able to graduate with the class.

As he proded classmates to be courageous and strong, he also challenged them to become CEOs, to start their own internet companies. In striving to be the best in whatever field you've chosen, you can give back to those who have helped bring you this far, he said. He stopped to applaud mothers and grandmothers.

It may be this young man who will be our President some day. One thing for sure. Our world seems safer just knowing there are graduates wanting to make a difference.