Did you see it in the sky there? Yes, over there, in the west. Not far from you. The light was coming from over by the auditorium. There were sparks and streaks of light. Flashing stars sparkling and glimmers of radiance were bouncing off the walls of the Centennial Auditorium.

No, I am not talking about a UFO or an invasion from outer space. I am talking about the bright lights shining from the cast and crew of Fiddler on the Roof. You would have to be blind in more than one way to not be astonished by the sparkling talent of the Staples Motley High School students. Even the smallest parts were magnificent.

Students, you knock me out with your talent. Staples Motley residents, take notice. We are fools when we think we do not need this kind of activity. These “extras” help to make our kids outstanding citizens here and in our world.

With all the bad news around town these past few weeks and the gloom and doom attitudes, the musical was a burst of bright and shining energy that is inspiring. Hard work and determination made the musical wonderful. Every person who worked on the production, whether big or small, helped to show how positive energy can help make grand things happen.

Our lives are tough, no doubt. We work hard, try to feed our kids, maybe save for the future. There are always setbacks. We all wonder how are we going to make it. Sometimes you just can’t see the answers. Now I am not trying to be a Pollyanna, but if you did not see the musical you missed an important opportunity to see the good that is being done at our schools. Our dedicated teachers and parents work tirelessly to make a difference in students’ lives.

No, I do not know how to reopen stores, or create new jobs, but I do know when to recognize a need to say “thank you” to people who make a difference in this small town. Thank you, students, for all your hard work and beautiful sounds. Thank you, Steve, Matt, Jeff, Coni, Kevin and the rest of the adults who believe in the “Tradition” of hard work and the wise use of people’s talents.

We ooze with it in many different venues. We’ve got to see it. Don’t give up, Staples Motley. Our future is all of our responsibilities.

What will we do to make our lives better? Help those who are coming up, give them a hand and encourage them. Don’t forget those magic words, “please” and “thank you”. Look to those who have done the work before us and say thank you.

Congratulations SMHS for another outstanding example of success.
Pam Collins
Staples, Minn.