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.