Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Kiwanis banquet honors students

Life isnt fair. Get used to it.

That was just one of the many rules of life presented to seniors honored during the Kiwanis Honors Banquet held May 15.

Guest speaker Gary Benson is a former NBA referee. Benson, a resident of Hot Springs, said that being a referee  just as is the case with any job  had its positive points but also had some negatives. He said that he typically had several months at home, but that it was a home he didnt always feel a part of.

Its my wifes house, he said, adding that the dog didnt even always recognize him.

He said some people asked what he did while he was at home, and said he didnt really have a good answer.

People asked if I watch basketball, he said. I say, Does a postman take a walk on his day off?

The constant scrutiny was another stressful point of the job, according to Benson. He said the fact that his movements were all on tape added to that stress.

But he also cited some humorous stories and the fact that hed traveled extensively and seen some incredible places. He said the competition for an NBA referee job was intense, and he was proud to have been chosen.

Benson said there are a number of rules that govern life, and that hed compiled a list. Some, according to Benson, are rules that hes created for himself. Others were given to him.

You think youre teachers talked tough, just wait till you get a boss, Benson said. And he offered another thought on bosses  Be nice to nerds. Chances are youll end up working for one.

On the subject of dignity and jobs, he said, Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for it. They called it opportunity.

Benson offered this advice regarding parents and future plans.

Before you were born, your parents werent nearly as boring as they are now. He said they became boring paying the bills associated with children, cleaning up the kids messes and doing all the chores and duties associated with parenthood. He said theres a way to say, thank you.

Before you save the rain forest, try delousing the closet in your room.

Benson closed by telling students that they shouldnt expect to be constantly praised for their efforts, but that they should constantly try their best despite that.

Give the world the best you have and youll get kicked in the teeth, Benson said. Give the world your best anyway.

Kiwanis members recognized members of the Key Club, a group of students sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. On the national level, the Key Club was organized in 1925. Allene Spencer told the group that was the year I was born. There are 17 local members.

As the attention turned to the honor students, Booie Williams took time to recognize those parents and grandparents who have stood behind the students, helping them achieve their academic success.

Prescott Superintendent Hyacinth Deon told the students they deserve their moment in the spotlight.

I just want to say that you have worked hard, she said. We honor you, we applaud you and we thank you for your academic achievement.

To the parents, Deon said, Thank you for making this event possible, because we know that you were your childs first teacher.

David Kassos, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, reminded the graduating seniors that theyll be leaving their high school behind and going into a much bigger world. He said the future at this point in life can seem overwhelming, and advised the seniors to meet it head on.