The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Coming In 2nd

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

28 May 2003

Adam Link, Co-Valedictorian for La Harpe High School came in second place by .003 with a 4.122 average out of a 4.0 scale with classmate Kelly Blythe edging him out with a 4.125.

Macomb High School girls gave up the Regional Championship to the Southern Belles after 26 innings of play in what had been a 0-0 ball game until Kim Plath hit in the winning run giving Mindy Morrison the win. Macomb's pitcher Leigh Thoman was handed the disappointing loss.

For six years in a row, Macomb has won the Regionals, but this year they were handed second even though their team performed outstandingly.

There have been some close elections where both opponents seem to be a favorite, yet one comes in second and loses.

I like the perspective that Adam Link had in his Valedictory Address Sunday evening.

He said that he had wanted to be number one in his class ever since he was little and the goal has gotten him where he is today.

Maybe he wasn't #1, but almost, with a lot of knowledge and experience gained to look back on and to help him succeed in life.

Adam told class-mates "When life calls upon you to do something within your capabilities and morals, go for it. Do it wholeheartedly, and never look back. Doing these things helps establish you as a person."

Good luck to all those who strive for that top prize. You won't always make it, but you will be in the company of winners. And be like the Belles, though the game seems endless, don't quit.