When old and young mix, both sides win. That’s true even if the “old folks” officially defeat the kids, as happened Thursday during the Centralia High School alumni vs. varsity volleyball game , where the graduates came back from a 2-1 deficit to beat the students in five sets.
(It’s not really accurate to call the alumni players “old folks,” though. In looking through the extensive photo gallery posted to chronline.com, they all look like kids to me.
) We need a whole lot more of this kind of connection in a world where there are so many divisions between generations, between city and country, between political persuasions and whatever other chasms afflict our society. I take off my hat in appreciation for Centralia coach Marti Smith for bringing together students of today and yesterday. While I’m sure the game was a blast for both sides, it was also a chance to help students form connections with those who have come before, and an equally important opportunity for graduates to remain connected with students who are just entering adulthood.
Each gives encouragement and hope to the other. The same is true even when it’s students on both sides of the generational connection. On Friday morning the Bearcats of W.
F. West High School headed over to James Lintott Elementary to welcome in the kindergartners on their first day of school. Do yourself a favor and check out the photos on the Chehalis School District facebook page .
There’s a little boy there, wearing a .