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Another school year ends; more memories are made

By Andrew Hawthorne
IV Leader Staff Columnist
IN MY OPINION column, May 6, 2004

    In the past year we as a society have accomplished a lot of great achievements as well as a few misfortunes.
Nationally, famous actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the governor of California. As a Marlins fan, I still say that the Cubs deserved the win. Nevertheless, the Florida Marlins won the World Series. 
    The movie, “The Passion of the Christ” created a nationwide hysteria due to its graphic content and supposed allegations of sacrilegious practices. 
    Unfortunately, the war continues. 
    With many more losses than what is reported to the public, one that I feel is rather patriotic and even somewhat heroic is Pat Tillman. He refused a three-year contract proposal with the NFL worth $3.6 million to enlist in the service after feeling obligated after his country was infringed upon on Sept. 11. 
Britney Spears was married and divorced in 48 hours. Janet Jackson was exposed during the Super Bowl half time. If anyone remembers, the Patriots and the Panthers were the teams who played – the Patriots won. 
    It was the fifth year anniversary of the Columbine shooting. The beloved sitcom “Friends” is ending after a 10-year run. 
    Famous housewife Martha Stewart was indicted for insider training. With all of the new reality shows and makeover segments, plastic surgery is now practically available in Drive-Thru form. 
    Locally, the Illinois Valley has suffered tremendous loss due to a tornado. 
    IVCC student Pat Welch is recovering from being struck by lightning in the campus parking lot. He is now out of the hospital and slowly but surely getting back into a normal day-to-day life.
    Professor Pat Cole of IV will be retiring in May and moving to Guatemala. Cole has owned a house there with her husband for over seven years. After getting settled she plans to teach to the children of Guatemala. 
    All in all, we have had a decent year. 
    With old students leaving, new students entering and those of us to return yet another year, here at the IV Leader we offer congratulations, bid farewell, and look forward to see the rest of you next year. I leave you with the following words to think about as we near the close of this year. Enjoy the summer…
    “The past is history; the future is a mystery; this moment is a gift; that is why this moment is called the present; Enjoy it.” — Allan Johnson