Congratulations ! Casey

Congratulations ! Casey

*This is a tribute to my granddaughter's pursuit of higher education and I would like to acknowledge the positive effect Hill School's Headmaster David Dougherty and his wife, Kay, had on Casey's educational grounding. Thank You, David and Kay upon your announcement of retirement from The Hill School at the end of this school year.

Congratulations ! Casey

Within the heaving of your chest
Forever beats an energy universe :
Exhibited on many grass green fields,
Shown skillfully on wood court floors.

Just as a lamp, when lit, illuminates
Clear words of a newly formed script
Showing fresh themes and big ideas,
Your spark will light a four year voyage

Through uncharted college waters.
By your sheer mental agility
And your true athletic ability
No sojourn is beyond your reach.

We heard the power of your voice
Fill the Chapel : the past, a future.
Leadership courts strong candidates,
They choose you to be team captain.

Dream map desired accomplishments :
Assault ego's harsh rash arrogance,
Demand respect to equal your own,
Win or lose, how you play, matters.

Sharp minds draft meaningful lives,
Gifted with athletic ability, better.
Build facts into useful knowledge -
Eureka ! Wisdom ! Harvest it now !

Ronald C. Downie

For Casey Elaine Downie, granddaughter, upon graduating from The Hill School 5/24/08 prior
to her entering Franklin and Marshall college,
Lancaster, September 2008, and to graduate
June 2012.