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My son, Andrew, loved running
cross-country at this very high school. When Andrew died, I established the
Andrew Cameron Roth Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to the most
accomplished cross-country senior who is college-bound.
My name is Sara Gorin and I am
proud to introduce myself as Andrew Roth’s Mom. Andrew graduated from
Buckhannon Upshur High School in May of 2004. In June of 2005 Andrew
suddenly, unexpectedly and unexplainably passed away, leaving his family and
his friends with devastating and insurmountable pain. But today, I have a
message for you from something I have learned through this tragedy. You
see, my son, Andrew changed the world. So many people have come to me after
Andrew’s death and shared little flashes of their memories of Andrew. Each
of them, in some way, was changed by something Andrew did or something
Andrew said.
What happens when an impact is
made upon those around you is that this energy continues from one person to
the next, until it multiplies and grows, and inevitably changes the world.
All living creatures on this planet we call Earth are connected together by
our energies, our hopes and dreams, and our collective consciousness. Just
by being born, you, my friends, are changing the world. Everything that you
do, that you think, the energy that you bring to others, has an impact on
all of us. So, you must be conscious about what you do to change our world.
Let me give you a specific
example of a tremendous impact you can make today. Think of the one teacher
that has effected you the most, inspired your creativity, and changed your
enthusiasm about learning. Now, take the time to find your teacher, tell
them in person or write them a note. Do you realize how often the greatest
favors in the world are performed without a simple “Thank You?’ What
happens to this energy you have just passed to your teacher? They will
share this energy with their students, their family, their friends, their
neighbors, and so on, until it circles the earth. They do not even have to
give the details of what has just happened to them by this appreciation that
you have shared, they will simply feel elated, more self-confident and
powerful. Don’t forget to tell you friends
and your family that you love them, giving them the energy to change the
world. You have been blessed with this tremendous power and knowledge, so
be conscious and caring to all those around you. I have been told that this
year’s recipient is kind-hearted, and a sweet young man.
The recipient of the 2009 Andrew
Cameron Roth Scholarship shows such a passion for cross-country, track, and
soccer that he intends to pursue his education in Athletics at Davis &
Elkins College. Without further adieu, let me present $450 to Tommy Boone. |