Reflecting on the Past, Valuing the Present, Embracing the Future
By Mark Sievering, Superintendent
August 19, 2009
In the mid 1940’s, at the height of World War II, a young sailor from rural Kansas was sent to Hawaii for training before heading to sea in the Pacific. During precious “liberty” time, along with numerous other service men and women, he attended USO shows at a hotel close to the base. At some point during the training, the sailor was assigned “work detail” to mow grass in a cemetery. The cemetery contained some of the graves of victims of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which had occurred just a few years prior. I can only imagine what a somber experience this must have been. Here he was, hundreds of miles from his home and his family, tending graves of those who had perished in service to their country. In the midst of the war, I’m certain the thought crossed his mind that he may meet a similar fate, and never return to his home.
As I write this article, that young sailor, now in his early eighties, is visiting Hawaii. He has visited the hotel where the USO shows were held, in addition to visiting some other well known Hawaiian tourist spots, including the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. This time around, he won’t be assigned any work details, but he did return to that cemetery where he mowed the grass sixty plus years ago. One evening this week, he is scheduled to board a ship, but this time it won’t be for war in the Pacific. Instead, the ship will embark on what I’m certain will be a spectacular “sunset cruise”.
The reason I’m familiar with this story is that the former sailor/Hawaiian tourist is my father, August “Augie” Sievering. He, like so many others before and since, answered his country’s call, and served in the United States Navy. My older brother and his wife wanted to take Mom and Dad to Hawaii for Dad to return to this area where he once served, and also for . . . well – just the fact that it’s Hawaii. (I have jokingly accused my brother of going to extremes in a futile attempt to gain favorite son status. He simply responded that he has taken them to Hawaii, and wants to see me outdo that.)
I’m not sure that I’ve ever met anybody who reflects on the past, appreciates the present, and looks forward to the future more than my dad. This week, although I’m sure he’s reminiscing about the past, I’m sure he’s also enjoying soaking up some sun and scenery in Hawaii, but when he gets back home, he’ll be heading back to his part time job as a courier. (He claims he’s going to really retire in a few weeks, but I’ll believe it when I see it!) When I asked him a year or so ago why he didn’t completely retire, he told me that there were still things he wanted to do that required money, so he was going to keep working!
Now, you may be wondering what my dad’s naval service, or a trip to Hawaii has to do with Conestoga, and you would be certainly justified in doing so. First of all, I’m appreciative of my dad’s service to our country, as well as that of the numerous other men and women who have served, and continue to serve in our nation's military. I am a firm believer that their service helps to allow each of us to enjoy the freedoms of this great country, including the opportunity of education for all children. We sometimes take this opportunity for granted, but in many countries, receiving an education is only a dream for many parents and children.
Secondly, as I reflect on the ups and downs of Conestoga over the past several years, I’m reminded that our nation, on a much larger scale, has been through tremendous trials: wars, economic depressions, pandemics, etc. Following these times of difficulty, we have often emerged stronger. I am confident that Conestoga is now in a phase of “emerging stronger”. As we say goodbye to the Class of 2009 (many Conestoga employees are watching their own children go off to college this year), and wish them well as they begin their lives apart from Conestoga, we have confidence in their abilities to become successful and productive members of society.
Finally . . . As I write, tomorrow is the first day of school. Year in, year out, the first day of school is one of my favorite days of the year. The students (at least most of them) come in with new “stuff” – clothes, school supplies, etc., and everybody gets a fresh start. For nearly three decades now, I have been fortunate to be a part of the first day of school as a teacher, principal or superintendent. I’ve been privileged to watch the eyes of children and young people as they arrive, anxious for the year to start. I will be especially anxious tomorrow to watch the excited eyes of the class of 2022, as they begin their Conestoga education. I’m certain that, like the other classes I’ve seen before them, they will give us great hope for the future.
So . . . to my dad, mom, brother and sister-in-law, I hope you have a fantastic time for the rest of your week in Hawaii. For those of us back here working, that’s ok – tomorrow, we get to see the future! Hope you have a great school year! Go Cougars!
