To the editor:
I’ve debated back and forth for the past few weeks about this. Four years ago a shy, enthusiastic fourth-grader reached out to Mr. Ken Leinart to come to a 4-H poultry show and auction.
He accepted and came to the showcase. He became a great friend and mentor. He gave that shy young lady the ability to feel confident through her writings, helped her open up and conduct interviews, and to love taking the pictures, also.
The Courier News isn’t just a newspaper, it’s a loving, caring community newspaper with amazing staff.
Mr. Leinart didn’t have to give that young lady a chance, but he did. And she held her head up a little higher each year that passed, through her articles and accomplishments.
She made it to Anderson County High School, “Home of the Mavs,” and couldn’t wait for her “Boss” Mr. Ken to watch her walk down the line to get her diploma.
So, to be told by her amazing parents that her mentor had passed away was very heartbreaking and earth-shattering. His wife lost her best friend, his children lost a father, and the community lost a great columnist and colleague.
But I know in my heart he will be in heaven in the best seat ever watching me walk the line on my graduation day, cheering me on, saying that’s GOOD STUFF!
So to my mentor and friend you will be deeply missed but not forgotten. and I hope to continue to make you proud.
Emma-Grace Bridges
Anderson County
