Last Friday was a real feel-good day in Lake Highlands and not just because it was sunny, 75 … and a Friday. The good folks of Lake Highlands gave away about $217,000 worth of scholarships to 70 or so (some received more than one so I’m not sure of the exact count) graduating Lake Highlands seniors. The Lake Highlands Exchange Club — from assorted sponsors, donors and in the memories of various local heroes of the past — doled out $130,000. The Lake Highlands Women’s League, later that morning, gave away $87,000 worth.
I’ll have to admit …
I wasn’t all that excited about getting over to Royal Oaks country club by 7 a.m. Friday, (and then over to LHHS by 10 a.m.) but once the ceremonies got underway, my soul began to stir. Call me sentimental, but just listening to the things these young people have accomplished made me want to be a better person —made me want to do more.
I can’t name them all so I won’t name any, but the recipients were remarkable —academics, athletes, musicians, actors, artists, volunteers, missionaries, scouts, mentors and workers. Some came to America only a few years ago, with no understanding of the English language. Others overcame learning disabilities, illness and circumstances that, for the average person, would prove debilitating. One recipient, a hailed violinist and scholar, claimed to have no musical or academic talent, saying he excelled through sheer determination and willingness to work. Another gets up a 4 a.m. with his mother, a school bus driver, so he can study. A girl works thirty-five hours a week to earn extra money while maintaining near-perfect grades. They are from different walks of life. Some had parents there to rally them on — others had only teachers and friends in their cheering section. Some will go off to junior college or state universities and others will attend Ivy League schools — but they all worked tirelessly for their reward.
Then you have those who made the scholarships possible. We know the Exchange Club and LHWL are great groups with a lot of support, but I was especially touched by families such as the Lee, the Oglesby and the Walne families, who had suffered the painful loss of child or parent, only to fund a scholarship in their loved one’s name. All that unadulterated altruism and achievement just made for a high-energy morning that really made my whole weekend shine. So despite the occasional fussing and fighting — LH can be a pretty cool community.
