Edwardsburg Public Schools Hall of Fame

Friends, On April 24, 2010 I was honored to be inducted into the Edwardsburg Public Schools Hall of Fame. Several have asked me to make available both Joe Horvath's Nomination Speech and my Acceptance Speech. Both are below.

Joe Horvath's Nomination Speech

On innumerable occasions as an educator, I have frequently heard that school and learning is “wasted” on the young. Often one does not appreciate the lessons within a classroom setting until well after walking away from those hallowed school environments. The older we become, the more opportunity we have for reflection upon the challenging lessons that teachers provided us. If we are fortunate enough, we may even put into practice some of those words of wisdom imparted to us. Such is the case with my classmate and friend, Thomas Schenk, who has lived his life by a lesson, taught us so many years ago.

If memory serves me correctly, we learned about the four cardinal virtues from Greek philosophy in World History class during our sophomore year with Mr. Mendel. The term “cardinal” comes from Latin “cardo” or hinge, and the cardinal virtues are so called because they are hinges upon which the door of the moral life swings. Most likely Plato borrowed from Socrates when he discussed the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and courage.

Prudence inculcates an ability to judge between appropriate and inappropriate actions at any given time. Justice seeks proper moderation between one’s own self-interest and the rights and needs of others. Temperance emphasizes the need for self-control. Courage underscores a capacity to confront fear and uncertainty. Throughout Tom’s life as a student in Edwardsburg and later at the Air Force Academy, as a pilot and chaplain in the United States Air Force, as a civilian Baptist minister, and most especially as a loyal son and brother, loving husband, and devoted father and grandfather, and trusted friend, Tom learned and practiced what Plato once envisaged. His doors in life are hinged firmly by morality. What we in Edwardsburg and, in particular with the class of 1968, can take pride in, is knowing that lessons taught can be mastered as guiding principles of life. Tom has taught all of us this quite well. This is not to suggest that all of Tom’s life has been blissful and without obstacles to hurdle. However, for the record, it should be noted that when Tom has fallen and bruised and cut himself, he bled “orange and blue.” This alone qualifies him for such a distinguished honor he is about to receive.It is my distinct privilege, on behalf of the Edwardsburg Class of 1968, to present to you, our own Hall of Famer, Thomas Schenk.

My Acceptance Speech

In Stephen Speilberg’s great film, Saving Private Ryan, a squad of American soldiers fought to find and save Private Ryan. Ryan’s brothers had been killed in action and as the lone surviving son Private Ryan was to be sent home. When the squad found Private Ryan, Ryan asked, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” That’s my question exactly tonight. “What did I do to deserve this?” I am just an ordinary guy who has attempted to be faithful to God, family, friends, and country over the long haul. If that qualifies you for the Hall of Fame, then there are a whole lot of others who deserve to be standing here, as much or even more than I.

Private Ryan went on to express gratitude to the fictional squad of men that rescued him. My squad of rescuers is not fictional. They are very real. I call these folks my God squad, for God sent them into my life to save me from my own bad choices and to equip and empower me to achieve my God-given potential. The members of that squad begin, of course, with my birth family—my father and mother, my brother and sisters, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—who loved me, forgave me, encouraged me, and showed me what it means to be a human being. I thank God for every one of them.

Then God gave me the faithful members of Mason Township Baptist Church. I grew up in that little country church, whose members, mostly farmers, showed me how to honor God not just on Sunday, but in all their daily tasks. Like any church made up of forgiven, but imperfect people, it was not without its intrigue, conflicts, and embarrassments, but generally speaking those salt-of-the-earth people salted me with God’s grace and wisdom. I am grateful.

Then there are the folks who are our focus tonight—the administration, faculty, coaches, fellow students, and teammates of Edwardsburg Public Schools. I spent every year of my primary and secondary education within Edwardsburg Schools. Every teacher, administrator, and student were so important. Some had special impact on my life. Like Ilean Beacraft, my 1^st and 6^th grade teacher, elementary principal, and Sunday School teacher. Her leadership was foundational. The smiles and encouragement of Jean Wentzlaff and Judith Farmer were vital to surviving those tumultuous junior high years. Clark Mead’s enthusiasm taught me that education could be both fun and practical. Coach Hoffman cajoled me into conquering my fears to actually hit somebody on the football field. There are others—Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Proper. Coaches Cedarstrom and Smith, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Montgomery, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Monaghan, Coach Sisson. Surely I am overlooking someone. Forgive me for that. But know I am grateful to all.

Then there are my fellow students. Class of ’68 I salute you. I joined you in 4^th grade, unsure if I would fit in. You made me feel welcome from the beginning. A special thanks to Joe Horvath, who nominated me for this honor and has done great things himself. There were 114 others who graduated with me in 1968. 6 other classes were in high school at the same time as I. We shared classes, clubs, athletic teams, lunches, trips, victories defeats, even a little romance over those four years. There is not one of those folks to whom I don’t owe a debt of gratitude. The perspective of God’s ways in your life teaches you gratitude for all who have made this journey with you.

God continued after high school to send people to rescue me. My Air Force family formed me for 34 years. Most importantly, the family into which I married and who came from that marriage are central to whom I am. I cannot begin to tell you how my wife, Diane, was used by God to rescue me. She is still doing that today, though I am sure that some days she wants to give up in exasperation. I gained another wonderful set of parents in my in-laws. My children and their spouses Shawn and Jill, Travis and Reba, Bethany and Erin, and Jordan and his unknown future wife—all of you are a great joy to me. And my three, soon to be four, grandchildren—better not get me started.

In closing, I must thank my chief rescuer, Jesus Christ, who died for humankind’s sin and rose to give life to all who believe. That’s why I call him Savior and have made it my life’s work to lead others to Him. In truth, this Hall of Fame honor does not belong to me. Rather, it belongs to God and all the people past, present, and future, that He sent into my life to rescue, teach, guide, encourage, and empower me. To Him and to them I give my thanks.

At the end of Saving Private Ryan, mortally injured Captain Miller pulled Ryan close and whispered, “Earn this.” In other words “live the rest of your life in gratitude for the sacrifice this squad made for you.” I continue to hear that same whisper from God and from you. I commit the rest of my life to living up to what each of you have done for me and given to me. Thank you.