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College acceptance something to celebrate

A Senior View

Ed Lyons

(Updated: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 12:00 AM)

Going off to college sets a scene we're all familiar with. Same routine, different child, but the emotions never change. The new generation leaves the nest and déjà vu rules.

This year, my adopted granddaughter Aundy Fellhauer, once a student at North Fork School and the daughter of Teresa Fellhauer, began this stage of her life.

Many of you may remember her mother who was active in many phases of our mountain society before gathering up her two girls, Aundy and Jessie, and moving to Missouri to begin a new life on the farm.

Both girls excelled in their scholastic, sports and musical endeavors throughout the next four years, and Aundy, the eldest, graduated from high school in May.

My wife and I went to the ceremony and once there we learned that Aundy had been accepted for admission to the College of The Ozarks in Missouri.

Next we learned that that acceptance was indeed something to celebrate.

The college was created for the purpose of providing an education for both sexes, especially those who are worthy but without means to procure such training.

Working for an education is the continuing unique and distinctive tradition of the campus.

All full-time students must participate in the work program. Initially, they must have demonstrated their financial need, academic ability, sound character and a willingness to work.

This produces a student body highly motivated towards education.

Many of you may remember Aundy as a lively youngster who, by the way, turned down an invitation to attend West Point Academy on the premise that the work ethic she learned on the farm was more suited to the promise of an education at the College of The Ozarks.

I only just learned about the college but I know Aundy and I'm sure that together they will achieve their goals.

Missouri has been good for the Fellhauers and in my several visits it has been a revelation for me that in some places, America is as she used to be.

Grandpa says: "Next time I say 'God Bless America' I will know that He already has."