Reynard: Championship character

To the editor:

On Thursday evening, a Jay County athlete became a champion. Brandon Reynard won the 300-meter hurdles, by several strides during the boys track regional at North Central High School. Unfortunately, due to a technicality, Brandon was disqualified on a judgment call by one of the officials and will be unable to compete Friday in the state meet. Brandon was a legitimate contender for a state title in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing fifth last year, with a good chance to be a first-place finisher this year.

The call was a judgment call by the official, and as such is the final decision. Like a call at the plate, if the umpire says you are out, you are out.

The decision was a disappointment to all of us, but especially to Brandon. However, what followed is what truly made Brandon a champion. He has handled all of this with more grace and composure than any of us. Is he disappointed? Probably crushed would be a better word. Our pride in Brandon comes not from his track abilities, but from how he has handled this adversity.

On Thursday night, Brandon made all of us very proud. In fact we could not have been prouder had he not been disqualified. Brandon has not only become a champion, he has become a man. He has represented his school, his family and his community with as much class as we could possibly expect.

We are proud of him and proud to know him.

Sincerely,

Mr. Phil Ford, principal,

and Mr. Ted Habegger,

athletic director,

Jay County High School

Great loss

To the editor:

On May 18, 2009, Portland and Jay County lost a great man. I first heard of Bill Kelly back in 1987 when I was working for Community and Family Services Inc. Twenty-one years later I got to meet him. He was just as loving at home as he was in public.

He touched many lives in various ways. He was concerned about the needy. He was always busy with the food bank and other things that helped others. He loved others more than he loved himself.

This was evident by those who attended the viewing and celebration of life.

There were close to 500 people that attended the viewing.

The building was full for the service.

Mr. Kelly will be missed. A lot of things won't get done. It just won't be the same without him.

Steve Quinn

Portland

Honoring

To the editor:

Decoration Day was started in 1868 to honor Civil War veterans. This tradition has carried on through the years and is now known as Memorial Day.

Gravel Hill Cemetery, west of Bryant on county road 650 North, was founded by Sarah J. and Samuel Alberson, who deeded the land to the Gravel Hill Cemetery Association in 1896. The round pavilion was built in 1922.

Many, many veterans are buried at Gravel Hill, and we are honored and proud to remember those who gave their lives so we could have freedom. Freedom isn't free as we well know. The United States is fighting two wars and has been now for six years.

A Memorial Day service was held May 25 at Gravel Hill Cemetery remembering those who fought for our freedom.

We would like to thank the members of Portland American Legion Post 211 Honor Guard, the Rev. Darrell Borders, and singers April Franks, Alyssa Johnson and Jan and Holly Rittenhouse for a beautiful service.

A big thank you to the Gravel Hill Cemetery Association and Judy Smith for a great job caring for the grounds where our families and loved ones rest and the breathtaking flag display honoring all branches of the U.S. military.

Betty and Tom Stone

Portland[[In-content Ad]]