Goodbye 2017 — Welcome 2018

In the Light

January 3, 2018 by Ken Leinart

Last week I was recruited/asked/tricked/Shanghaied/ into spending a day with Boy Scouts and teaching a class about journalism.

Yeah, I know, “Why me?”

The year of our Lord 2017 was a trying one for many people in many professions in many walks of life and many backgrounds.

Personally, last year was probably the first year in my life an actual doubt about my abilities had ever crossed my mind.

It was an interesting year.

But 2018 is going to rock.

Seriously, we’re going to have fun (and be responsible) and look to the future (while being responsible) and make folks sit up and say, “Wow!” In a responsible way.

I am one who believes you are what you are now because the past has shaped your direction.

I am what I am today because of what I did or experienced 20 years ago, or 10 years ago, or even yesterday.

Does that make sense?

So, what does this have to do with Boy Scouts, or was I just tooting my horn?

Simple. I learned something from talking with these guys.

These seven young men — ranging from 12 (or so) to 16 — had an interest in news. Not The Courier News specifically, but in how to know and understand what is happening in their own communities.

I hope I taught them something other than the “inverted pyramid.” Judging by the stories they wrote, they did.

So, for 2017 I would like to thank the following for making it a memorable year:

My co-workers for putting up with my bad jokes and my temper.

My friends and family for putting up with my bad jokes and my temper.

My dogs, Buster and Maizee, for putting up with my bad jokes and my temper and my sometimes late dinner feedings.

I also want to thank Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank for all of the Veterans breakfasts in 2017. I come from a family of veterans and I know the recognition is appreciated.

This is not politics. It’s just right.

Thank you Heather Miller.

Thank you Allen Handley.

I learned things from these two.