Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Upchurch banquet was an extraordinary event

A funny thing happened at the Ila Upchurch Banquet Saturday night  the featured speaker didn't show up.

However, for want of said speaker nothing was lost, as Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, filled in to the delight of the audience.

Chadwell's speech was based on the banquet's theme: "Together We Achieve the Extraordinary for America." He began by talking about his expectations when he was 17 and where he thought he'd be by the age of 40.

The Oxford, Miss., native, said at 17 he expected to one day return home and see a billboard proclaiming Oxford as the "Hometown of Jon Chadwell", but had no idea of what he would do to earn such an honor.

The one thing he did know was there would be no billboard erected to him because of his achievement in athletics. He said he was cut from the football, basketball and baseball team. "When you're cut three times, you kind of get the idea."

Another thing he knew is he wouldn't earn fame and fortune as a singer. "I'm a member of the Church of Christ," he said. "One day I was told my singing was reason enough for us to get a piano.

"Money didn't look like it was going to happen either. I had to work my way through college and my father was a preacher."

When he returned to Oxford for his 20th high school reunion there were many former classmates who didn't recognize him.

"So, how can we be extraordinary?" he questioned the audience.

He asked who had ever heard of Dr. Sam Langley. In the early 20th century Langley mailed out cards and letters proclaiming to be the "Father of Aviation", Chadwell said. He received a federal grant for $50,000 to build airplanes with.

His first attempt wound up with the plane crashing, as did his second try. From these efforts, Chadwell said, Langley wrote a report flatly stating man would never fly.

Then came the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, who had a grand total of $61.42 to finance their venture into the world of aviation.

These two crashed more than 57 times, Chadwell said, before achieving flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

He told of a businessman who started 10 different businesses and went bankrupt with each one. However, instead of giving up this man convinced three people to give him$25,000 each to finance business number 11.

He opened a store in New York which has been a success ever since  Macy's.

"Being extraordinary isn't about money or being a better scientist," Chadwell said.

Macy, he continued, learned from each of his failures and remained undaunted. "Mistakes can help us become extraordinary."

Chadwell told of his visits to Washington, D.C., and how there are statues on virtually every corner of people he's never heard of.

"Extraordinary people build living statues," he said. "They are remembered after they're gone, but aren't remembered for grand things or the money they spent. Instead, they are remembered for giving of themselves.

"We have teachers here, and future teachers, who are and will create living statues.

"We can't wait on others to make us extraordinary. No one can do this for us. We need to work with take who and what we are. If we make mistakes, we need to get up and do it till we get it right.

"I've decided I don't care if I ever go to Oxford and see a billboard in my honor, or have a statue built of me. When I'm gone, I want four or five people to say I made a difference in their lives and the community. Then I'd feel I had a great life."

If everyone took the tools they have and work with them to be the best, he said, they would be surprised at what they could do.

"The best thing is our grandchildren would remember us," he said. "I challenge everyone not to worry about who gets the credit for things done, but to make a living statue for those who follow."

Hyacinth Deon presented the Upchurch Citizen of the Year Award to Elaine Williams, and the Educator of the Year Award to Pearl Bailey.

Joyce Gibson presented the scholastic awards, with April Marks being recognized as the Upchurch Senior of the Year. Marks and Ashley Loe were also awarded $250 scholarships. Marks plans on attending the University of Arkansas, while Loe hopes to go to Southern Arkansas University.

Lakeena Murphy and the Wiley Family provided entertainment for the banquet, each performing gospel songs.

As the banquet began winding down, Patricia Blake, toastmistress for the event, called Prescott School Superintendent Ron Wright to the podium. She told how he has tendered his resignation to accept a similar position at the Farmington School District.

"It was with mixed emotion," he said, "that I told the school board first. I have been pleased being the superintendent at Prescott.

"I hope and pray you carry on the work we've begun. I believe we've put Prescott on a higher plane, and have been working with the best interest of the children at heart."

He said by the time the McRae Reunion arrives this summer work will be complete on the McRae Middle School gymnasium, which is being resided at this time.

"I love you all very much, and this was a hard decision that took a lot of prayer," Wright said. "I appreciate the support everyone has given me."