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Show Free Press - Wednesday, June 3, 1998 Page 2 Opinion Mamas, don't let your babies grow, up to be Pioneers With the exception of my own graduation, I had never been to another commencement until a few years ago, ' when I started covering the ceremony for the paper. I knew many of the young people graduating, mostly because I had taken their pictures during the year as they succeeded in various events and activities; there may have been a few of my former piano students in that group as Vote for school bond, leeway voters will go North Utah County to the polls later this month to determine the future of education in the area when they vote on a $50 million bond and a $6.2 million voted leeway. Both issues deserve the voters' support. These funds are crucial if the Alpine School District is to have the money to provide local children with the necessary classroom space and technology to succeed in today's computerized society. The vote will be part of this year's primary election to be held on June 23, which sets up a good news-ba- d news scenario for the bond election. The timing is convenient, because it couples this important decision with an election of general interest. Often, these bond votes are held alone and generate a low voter high schools and several new elemen-tarie- s to the area. The only way to keep up is to build new schools, and that costs money that is not available to the school district except through a bond election. The proposed $50 million bond will fund new elementaries in the Alpine-Highlan- d turnout. On the downside, this year's Utah County primary will basically be a Republican party event. No Democrats are involved in primary races. To make matters even more races confusing, the two in the primary feature moderately conservative incumbents who are being challenged by rivals who are riding a swell of support from the ultra-rigwing of the ht party. That means the one special interest group who will be energized by the primary election is the same group most likely to oppose this vital bond and leeway issue. And that's a shame. The fact is, population in the Alpine School District has grown at record rates in recent years and much of the growth has come in the form of young couples who are just starting their families. In a few years, these families will add thousands of new students to the Alpine School District rolls. The impact has already hit hard, despite the recent completion of a building thrust that added two new Our taxes will go up. It is unavoidable. But if we aren't willing to fund these essential education elements, our children will be poorly prepared to meet the challenges of the future, and then we will all pay an exacting 'price. Support the bond election and the voted leeway in the June 23 primary election. One Sunday evening way back in Fremont Mich.,1 a young man named Dan was, waiting impa- tiently for his wife to feed their daughter. They had a social commitment, and Dan didn't want to be late, as he paced back and forth, looking at his watch without saying anything but nevertheless indicating that he was anxious to go. In the meantime, the wife, Dorothy, was straining vegetables into a bowl, piece by piece. ' After a time, his patience ran thin and he stomped into the kitchen, pleading with his wife to hurry up. That's when Dorothy decided to teach Dan a lesson. To press the point," Dorothy later recalled, "I dumped a whole container of peas into a strainer and bowl, placed them in Dan's lap and asked him to see how he'd like to do that three times a day, seven days a -- week." Dan got Dorothy's message and decided to do something about it. The next day, in his family-owne- d cannery, he developed an idea for something new to put in the cans: strained baby food. That first year, pen-sivene- fer. Frustrated housewife, impatient husband -- During each of the following years, in addition to the students I met during photo sessions and stories, there were more of my own students who joined the graduating ranks. For some strange reason; though, this year it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. One of the speakers, for example, fit into the former piano student category. Even though I had watched his older sister and his older brother also students of mine graduate in previous years, his rite of passage somehow triggered my own sense of aging. Hearing the name of another young lady in the class didn't help my either, because I had grown up in the same area as her parents, and I recalled when she was but, a baby. Now she was graduating, and she symbolized for me just how quickly my own children will grow up and reach that point in their lives, especially with my oldest son entering high school next year. In addition to being forced to think ahead to old age, I was also swept back into time to recall my own graduation ceremony. Back in those "olden days," graduation was held in the auditorium. All of on-goi- high-profi- le 1927 in well. area and in northeast Orem, in addition to two more elementaries at sites that will be determined by area growth patterns. It will also be used to renovate new schools and purchase property for even more schools in the future. This is the kind of forward-lookin- g approach we need to keep up with' the population boom. The voted leeway is designed to meet another critical need. The onetime bond funds are great for building, but the leeway provides funds that are needed to open the new schools and to upgrade technology in our existing schools. This is critical. An education that doesn't include the basics of computer literacy does little to prepare pur children for a society in which the computer is becoming a dominant factor. Keyboarding skills, software applications and Internet savvy are all vital parts of a modern education. In 10 years a person without these skills will be considered functionally illiterate. But the tools to teach these skills are expensive. If we aren't willing to pay that price, our students will suf- they sold 590,000 cans of Gerber's baby food at 15 cents per can, established the market and dominated that market for several decades. (Story courtesy of the Executive Speechwriter Newsletter) The message is clear: When you're frustrated and irritated about a g problem, the logical thing to do is ask the questions: "Does this problem have a solution? If so, what is it?" That's the process Dan Gerber went through, and when he came up with a solution, he became a hero to millions of mothers throughout the world. The Gerber family and millions of mothers have had something to smile about as a result of the idea ever since. baby-foo- d . never-endin- You have to know the ropes in order to pull the strings. the members of the Class of 1977 were seated on the stage, albeit on about four rows of risers, but although we fit comfortably, our guests did not. You see, we were tokl that we had to limit the number of people we could invite to the ceremony and were issued tickets corresponding to the. number of seats in the auditorium. I've always wondered if my mother scheduled her elective surgery that day because she couldn't stand to see her baby leave the nest or if she wanted to allow someone else the privilege of using one of the special tickets. After my class had left the school, the ceremony was later moved to the gymnasium, then later to the Marriott Center. Although the BYU facility definitely has more room, I think it causes a loss of the personal part of graduation. In the first place,' piped in "Pomp and Circumstance" is nothing compared with Joan Welch live on the Hammond organ. This year, I had the opportunity to d visit with some of the newly-graduate- students at the party after the ceremony. I had to know if they felt any different having officially completed all-nig- ht school. All of them said that it had not hit them yet, but they would likely become emotional the following day. For my class, however, reality hit home the same night. again played live by one of our own hometown musicians, and we found ourselves crying and hugging each other in the foyer outside the auditorium. .It was a very emotional time just as one of this year's graduates pointed out that some would not see another in this life because we knew that once walked out the door of the school, we had really graduated. Leaving the Marriott Center provides none of that emotional finaliza-tion. In fact, as the students gather back at the gymnasium area for the all-nig- ht party (an incredible event, by the way) they are likely to have the feeling that the remote ceremony was nothing more than a glorified field trip, especially if they still hand out the blank diplomas like they did when I graduated. graduation although Finally, makes me think fondly of the "good old days" of high school, and relive some of the painful memories of that same era, it also makes me realize that I am happy to be where I' am at on the road of life. The good times speak for themselves, and no amount of money could make me go through the pain that must come along with those good memories. For the undergraduates, the grass always seems greener on the other side of the commencement fence; for those of us who have already made the journey, we know for a fact that it definitely is greener. But one thing is sure; brown grass, or even our artificial grass (in some cases) requires a lot less maintenance. Sometimes, just getting the diploma is enough Jeffrey just about didn't make it to in more ways than one. graduation Here is the scenario: It's 4: 15 on graduation day, and we are sitting in the kitchen waiting for Jeffrey. We know he has to be at the Marriott Center in 15 minutes to get ready to graduate. We know he can't make it to the Marriott Center in 15 minutes. What we don't know is where he is, and just how late he will be. He did show j ; up about 10 minutes later. By the time we readied ' the Marriptt ' Center, "the graduating seniors had marched and the first speaker had spoken. We pointed Jeff in what we thought was the right direction, and assumed he would know what to do. After all, we thought, he had been at the practice the day before. Then he told us he hadn't gone to the practice; He was still in bed. After all, it started at 10. What did we expect? I was busily engaged in taking photographs of the graduation activities. So. when Sharon saw our wayward graduate enter the building on the concourse level and take a seat, she figured she had one final motherly task ahead of her. She took the graduate and guided him to the Marriott Center basement, leading him through the tunnels to the waiting arms of the teachers and assistant principals who know as much about Jeffrey as we do. They took him in hand, keeping him in place in the bowels of the Marriott Center until the final speeches were spoken, the class gift was presented and the graduates started to graduate. When the M's rolled around, Jeffrey was inserted into the line-uHis name was read. He strolled out to that big "A", r p. looked around like he was lost, and then crossed the stage to the welcoming handshake of Mr, Clark, who was probably as happy to see the last of Jeffrey as we were to see him pick up that empty diploma folder, filled with the unspoken promise of an actual high school diploma. He later told us that his reputation had preceded him. "Finishing that last packet, huh?" quipped someone while they were waiting. He was closer to the truth than he knew. For Jeffrey, school has been a y thing from the start. Everything from health problems to extreme disinterest had him in and out of the classroom since elementary school. As a result, when he reached his senior year, he was seriously behind his classmates. His solution was to go attend high school another year. Nobody else was very keen on the idea. Not his parents, who knew that ifit was tough to get him in the classroom this year, it would be impossible next year. And certainly not his teachers or advisors, who blanched visibly every time the possibility was mentioned. Besides, despite the problems, he was so close. With some applied effort, taking into account his work experience and day-toda- completing his share of packets for class credit, Jeffrey could graduate. And in the end, he did the work. We encouraged him, but he took some responsibility when it mattered, and brought together the facts, the figures and the paperwork. He had a lot of help from faculty members at the high school, who recognized the importance of seeing Jeffrey achieve this worthy goal, even if he didn't think it was all that important. " ; ' And in the end, even if it was the very end, he made it. J Thursday afternoon he placed that high school diploma, with his name printed in bold letters, in the holder he had been given and walked away a high school graduate. For Jeff, it was a major achievement. If this last year has taught us anything about being parents, it is that your standards for achievement and excellence vary from child to child. We have also learned that parents can forgive a lot. With some kids you expect academic excellence, high test scores, honor atten-- . grades and near-perfedance. And if they don't deliver, you feel you have failed as a parent With others, you are thrilled when that final F is changed to a so he or she can pass a tough class. Jeff didn't wear any gold or silver cords. No one asked him to speak, which is a good thing because he would have been late for the meeting. It was enough just to hear his name, watch him collect his diploma holder and shake his principal's hand. Mr. Clark talked about the miracles in the audience when he presented the Class of "98 for graduation. We witnessed one, and that was enough. roll-wort- ct Reader's Forum Pool prices outrageous Editor: The prices that the city council are charging for the use of the Lehi City Swimming Pool is absolutely Outrageous. Has anyone noticed that this year prices have doubled? This does not consider the consistent increase in prices that has been imposed over the last couple of years. Part of the taxes that we are paying to Lehi are also supposed to support recreational facilities. Young families with small children have many financial burdens. If people have to pay absorbingly high prices for city recreation they might just as well go and join an expensive health club and the city should go into the recreation business instead of provid-- . ing a government service. Are you aware that the selected group of citizens chosen to make recommendations for pricing consisted of three individuals who members of the city council wouldn't listen to anyway? I personally will take my business to American Fork where I can swim longer, utilize more facilities and not have to pay as much. It would also be nice if the city council would spend a little money to provide portable restroom facilities in locations used for city recreation activities. Other communities do. Judy Hindley Lehi Vote no for EAS Editor: Some 1,000 Lehi citizens will have the opportunity to vote Yes or No for EAS. (Extended Area Service). This would allow Lehi residents to call Salt Lake County. If the bill is voted in, it will cost each of us an additional $8.93 per month, or $107.16 per year. The present rate to call Salt Lake is 10 cents per minute. Otherwise, each of us would have to talk to Salt Lake 90 minutes each to break even. I feel to please a few businesses who may call Salt Lake often, that we citizens are being asked Published weekly by (ISSN No. (U.S.P.S. No. 8750-4669- A ) 309-50- mTT?ie iewia!iiews member ol NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION Telephone Numbers Advertising 1 Circulation News Publisher Managing Editor City Editor . 59 West Main . . ....756-527- RussDaly price $24 A per year Periodicals Postage Paid at American Fork, Utah POSTMASTER: aand addreaa changt to M Wdt Main, Amarfcan Fork, Utah (4009 part of their phone faill. Wally Hebertson Lehi great year for the Pioneers Editor: We would like to thank the administration, faculty and students at Lehi High School for a great year. Our frequent visits to the school for a variety of events were always positive, even joyous experiences, especially the sports contests. We'll never forget the exciting football games. We were so proud of our team. The basketball season was great. Especially when Travis Colledge dropped in those foul shots that allowed our state tournament threepeat. The fact that we're Silver Foxes didn't diminish the welcome we received at LHS. On the contrary, we always felt very special and very privileged to be there. Every week we'd take our vitamins, press and Deadlines Classified Advertising . .Brett Bezzant .Marc Haddock , Subscription American Fork, Utah 84003 ...... . to pay Display Advertising News . . .Tuesday, noon Monday, 5 p.m. Monday, 2 p.m. Missionaries Monday, 2 p.m. Monday, 2 p.m. Weddings Community Calendar . .Monday, 10 a.m. Letters to the Editor . . .Monday, 10 a.m. Obituaries Tuesday, 11 a.m. purple and white duds, gargle so we'd be in good voice, and cruise to the high school, no matter hail, snow, sleet or sunshine. The night "Bear" came to our gym was so memorable (when Eva kissed the Bear, 111 have to admit I was embarrassed) but what a night! We tuned our old bones up and screamed right along with the kids. We'll be Jazz and Pioneer fans forever , Some people do aerobics for exercise, but we go to games, yell and holler, jump up and down, and climb bleachers for our workouts! It's so fun after the games to hug and be hugged by the kids. They never fail to thank us for coming and for our support. And, the bonus is when they see us on the street or pass by in a car, they always wave, say hello and generally let us know they care. Because of you, we Silver Foxes won't need Geritol, Arthur or Ben!! Eva Johnson and Betty Fowler P.S. Those Booster Club hamburgers take care of our nutritional needs and are delightfully delicious! ...'. We welcome letters to the editor. All letters must include the author's name (printed AND signed) and a telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, punctuation, taste and length. Letters are welcome on any topic. HOW TO REACH US By Mail P.O. Box 7, American Fork, UT 84003 In " Person 59 W. Main, American Fork Bv Fax 756-527- 4 By newtahaol.com POOR COPY |