The 2011 C. F. "Cliff" Spanier Award

This is the 12^th year that we have awarded the C. F. "Cliff" Spanier Award. This award is given annually in appreciation of a Fairhope Elementary School Family Member's commitment "to nurture and mold young lives." Award winners are selected by previous Spanier winners.

This year's recipient that I am recognizing certainly fulfilled the "selected requirements" for this award and her hand print will last a lifetime on the young lives she touched.

As I thought about this particular recipient, I was reminded of a poem I discovered many years ago. The poet is Edgar Guest has become one of my very favorite poets and his poem that I want to share is... I'd Rather See A Sermon Than Hear One Any Day.

It says...[read].

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I'd rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear,

And the best of all the teachers are the ones who live their creed,

For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done;

I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.

When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind

Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me

To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.

And all the world can witness that the best of guides today

Are not the ones who tell them, but the ones who show the way.

One good person teaches many; one believes what they behold;

One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,

For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

This year's Spanier Award Winner...

Definitely put good in action...

She was a great example for all of us...

She demonstrated unprecedented kindness...

She showed us what a real friend should do...

AND, she definitely WALKED out her sermon!

I am delighted to present the...

2011 C. F. "Cliff" Spanier Award to...

Mrs. Hope Sawyer