August, 1999

Sacred Heart Academy
Reunion Members
Helena, Arkansas

Alumni, Priest, Sisters, Students, Friends and Neighbors:

This is a "Thank You" to all, there will be no names, dates or addresses given as it is the hope of the writer that the hearts of many former "Boarder" graduates continue to carry in their hearts the good feelings for the values learned. The important values were stressed to enhance our lives on earth and in our journey to reach heaven.

The welcoming from the school, church, people and the town was felt by us and at times we were very surprised by it. As we shared our Mass prayers or while learning our way around town, going to Sunday Mass and later to a Sunday movie then maybe stopping for a "cherry Coke" at the corner drug store, then perhaps a stroll to the mighty Mississippi River, a memory that is still as fascinating as the river itself. The Ferry ride across and back gave a feeling of unity with the past, present, and the future while watching the waves, the currents and the eddies from the paddle wheels churning the water and propelling the boat. On a Saturday climb of "The Hill" reminding one the world did indeed have a challenge for each of us. The strong bonds of Faith, Church, Family and the people of Helena had set a good example for us and this strength was felt throughout my stay in Helena.

From the school came Academia beyond the scope of sight senses at the time, I did not realize that my days at Sacred Heart Academy was taking me into adulthood from my childhood. Exposure to the working love and prayers of the church, family, teachers, studies, music, sports, debates and lasting friendships would be an eternal part of my life. The religious training by the Priests, Sisters, parishioners and fellow students taught values of life, spiritual and material, that were needed as the years went by.

I came to realize there were many sacrifices to be made in order to pass through the classes and receive the education so necessary to life. Sacrifices by the many teachers and working personnel that is necessary in the operation of a boarding school especially. Many hours were given to each of us in making our stay at Sacred Heart Academy a home away from home. How lucky we were and not totally realizing what we were experiencing as a part of this institution. What a beacon of light to find that this was God's love reaching out to each of us from the faculty and employees that gave us their love and selflessness to make each a better person.

All of you citizens of Helena were an influence and made us feel at home. With this Valuable Gift of God's love showered on us through your friendly gesture and helping us turn the corner into a world of care and love.

Should we have caused any of you trouble, we humbly apologize. Thanks for helping us grow into adulthood and leading us forward into the world of so many unknowns. Many more thanks are owed you for all the times we felt we knew better than our teachers, and your efforts showed us a better way.

There were a great variety of persons attending the Boarding Academy. From all walks of life, rural and urban areas, students from broken homes, some with just one living parent, those with none and those fortunate to have both parents. A few were world wise, some sheltered, some materially well off others not. All given the chance to learn and develop their talents on an equal basis and to go out into the world with as much wisdom and education any school can administer.

Though I would have never admitted it at the time of my arrival at Sacred Heart Academy, lonely, fearful and in need of knowledge, but through God's will and some intestinal fortitude, many of the good principles to live by were absorbed and a chance for development; and much encouragement heaped upon my person by the hard working faithful faculty and leaders of Sacred Heart Academy helped me to find a value in life, the people around me and those with whom I have enjoyed working with these many years. Needless to say I may have done as well in some other school but I feel this was the right place for me.

For these things I again want to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to have been a part of the history and gracious kindness and love nurtured at this institution and thanks be to the good Lord for all the blessings he has bestowed upon me. With a prayer that God's blessing and continued love and guidance will be shed upon you, thanks again and my prayers will always be offered for you.