Banks County Opinions...

MAY 28, 2003


Column

By: Angela Gary
The Banks County News
May28, 2003

Special memories
to treasure
I was there on the first day of school this year, her senior year. She didn’t know I was coming but I left home early and got there in time to get a photograph of her leaving for the big day. I took her the first graduation gift she would get—a stuffed animal wearing a graduation cap.
I was there for other special events during this important year—band concerts, parent night, school “dress-up” days, prom night and other activities. I snapped hundreds of photographs of these momentous occasions.
I don’t think she even noticed anymore as I captured her senior year on film.
I have worked at The Jackson Herald for 18 years with Sharon Hogan, a wonderful lady who is like a mom or older sister to me. She has been there for the laughter and tears over the years, as has her daughter and husband. I’m really an “unofficial” member of their family.
As Kelli graduated from Jackson County Comprehensive High School Friday night, the memories of the past year and the past 18 years were flowing. English papers, boy troubles, marching band and more. A trip to the mountain when she was just a small tot. A beach trip a few years ago.
Dressing up for Halloween each year and giving out candy to the children who come by the office. We’ve shared a lot and I treasure those memories. Kelli is an only child, but she refers to me as her “big sister,” and I’m thankful for that.
I put together a scrapbook of Kelli’s senior year and presented it to her Friday night after graduation. It opens with a page on that first day of school and includes snapshots from school dances, holidays, an outing to Hurricane Shoals and a Toby Keith concert in Atlanta.
As country star Alan Jackson wrote in “Daddy Gene,” I hope this provides memories that Kelli will store away and treasure as the years go by. Alan sums it up best with : “Maybe one day they’ll reach back in their file and pull out an old memory and think of me and smile...”
I hope Kelli and I have many more memories to treasure as she enters this new phase of her life.
My advice to her is a Bible scripture that has kept me strong throughout my life. It is my favorite verse and I think of it often.
I hope she will use it to guide her life. Philipians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Angela Gary is associate editor of The Jackson Herald and editor of The Banks County News.
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Column

By: Adam Fouche
 The Banks County News
May 28, 2003

Fortunes for graduates
Imagine, young graduate, this newspaper as a large oriental meal.
Whether it be sweet and sour chicken, happy family or kung po king prawn doesn’t really matter. But just imagine The Banks County News as your favorite dish.
And then, young one, think of this page as a giant fortune cookie. As you crack it open you find this column. With any fortune cookie, you get a fortune. In this case, you graduates get a whole list of fortunes.
Here goes.
•You may attend a party where strange customs prevail. Remember Friday night? I’m sure this one came true for a lot of you.
•Appearances are often deceiving. Be careful who you associate with. The most innocent things now can have a big impact two or three years down the road.
•A job well begun is half done. Never feel shameful for being diligent, hard-working and prompt.
•You simplify your life in many ways and find great rewards. Don’t take life so seriously. Be young and be happy.
•He who climbs a ladder must begin at the first step. Be careful. Shortcuts will often cause more trouble than they’re worth.
•The superior man is modest in his speech, but he exceeds in his actions. No one likes a bragger. And those who have real accomplishments and skills don’t have to brag about it. Everyone already knows.
•Keep up the good work; you will be rewarded. This one is real hard once you start in the working world. Just remember, eventually, something good will come of your efforts.
•Don’t give up; the best is yet to come. Never settle. Go after what you want and keep going until you get it.
•Happiness is an attitude. It isn’t, however, money, fame or fortune. You can make yourself happy in any situation.
•Others look up to you. There’s always someone watching and there’s always someone affected by your actions.
•We can learn from everyone, especially from our enemies. Never think that you’re the smartest one around. You’ll be destined for a fall.
•Time makes one wise; ask advice from someone older than you. No matter what you’re going through, someone out there has gone through it before. Remember that those trying to help you are doing just that—helping.
•If the shoe fits, it’s probably your size. Go with your instincts. If it seems right, believe it.
•Don’t let friends impose on you. Don’t give in because your friends want you to. You’ll be better off making your own decisions.
•You have an active mind and a keen imagination. Stay young at heart.
•Your efforts will be worthwhile. If accomplishment was easy, everyone would be accomplished. Sometimes, you do have to work a little. But...
•You’ll accomplish more later if you have a little fun this weekend. Enough said.
Adam Fouche is a reporter for MainStreet Newspapers. His email address is fouche@nbank.net.

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