In about 1861 Emily Dickinson wrote a poem that said, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” It conveys the thought that hope is an enduring, resilient force withing the human soul that provides comfort and encouragement that persists during life’s hardest storms. Some Champions are experiencing loss, and their friends and neighbors hope for them comfort as their family navigates a new reality.

Our Skyline School’s graduation ceremony Thursday was full of Pomp and Circumstance, love and laughter. Thirteen kindergarten students—Estelene Bellefeuille, Elizabeth Johnson, Levi Johnstone, Braxton Loveless, Jaxon McIntosh, EmberLeigh Miller, Everette Nelson, Chloe Porcello, Georgia Proctor, Landon Simon, John Sudderth, Hazel Wiltse and Bline Woods—walked and skipped and danced down the aisle in their tiger red caps and gowns to the delight of their families and friends. They had their photos taken with their diplomas. Eighth graders, Hunter Hall, Kennedy Hinote, Morgan Johnson, Paige Jonas, Blake McIntosh, and Grace Spence received their diplomas and are headed off to high school next fall. Their good Skyline start will have them set up for success. The last day of school featured an awards ceremony where students were recognized for academic achievement, for significant improvement through the year, for athletic accomplishments, and for good citizenship. Their diplomas and award certificates will fill scrap books. They are the people who will be running things before long. Years hence will find them looking back with pride and nostalgia for these sweet school days made possible by the dedicated teachers and staff.

Who might have a ukulele languishing in a closet or hanging on a wall not being played? These instruments are small. They may have been purchased on a whim. Perhaps they were a bargain in a thrift store or were hand-me-down gifts from old folks looking to pare down their possessions. Skyline’s music program can use them. Little fingers will be strumming under the tutelage of Cheyenne McIntosh when school starts up again this fall. Music is good for us. Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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