From Indiana, tears welled up in my eyes this morning as I saw the pictures on Facebook of the grand old bleachers at my old high school, Ceredo-Kenova High School, C-K, being torn down to be replaced with new aluminum ones. Many a young man and woman grew up at that iconic facility with an entire town packing those bleachers on Friday nights and cheering on one of the best high school football programs in the country and, without a doubt, the best high school band anywhere in the world. My family was a small part of that legacy, my Uncle Garry, my brothers Tony and Jack, and I played on teams that won 5 state championships. Those bleachers, the field, the old high school, which was also recently torn down to make way for a modern, elementary school, represent not just memories of youth but a community with so many hopes and dreams. Our parents and grandparents sacrificed so much to fulfill their dreams of a community with schools and teachers that were second to none.
A community in which their children, my generation, could fulfill its dreams. Just like my classmates, I can tell you which teachers at C-K had the greatest impact on my life, those that shaped my values, inspired me, and those that shared their wisdom with me. I note in particular Mr. Vernon Shy and Coach Dale Craycraft.
When I look at my high school friends now, some back in my little hometown and others scattered in communities across the country, I see entertainers, teachers, lawyers, university professors, writers, preachers, community and government leaders, business leaders, scientists, and those that served their country whether in the military or as other first responders. I see parents and grandparents. I see hopes and dreams fulfilled. I know that many of them have played and are still playing roles in the building of communities across this country, also with hopes and dreams.
I watched as one of my best friends, Rick Chaffin, took the lead to save, refurbish, and update the “Wonderdome” which is the home to a current generation of young basketball players in my hometown. I watched as a new, state of the art elementary school was built on the very same site that I learned civics and Spanish. I watch as the iconic bleachers come down, yet soon to be replaced by another set of bleachers, another set of community dreams. I have no doubt that football will once again be played on that hallowed field. Yes, those old concrete bleachers may be gone but, hopefully, they will remain alive through the continued community building efforts of a new generation with new hopes and dreams. Is that not what America is about? Is that not really what it means to be an American?
I have rambled in a nostalgic fashion way too much this Monday morning…please forgive me...off to class...
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