Classic Advertisements

We were a captive audience with no "second screens" (cell phones) to distract us, or begging us to comment upon what we were viewing. The commercials were the price we paid for not getting up to mute the sound or change the channel. In our house we took turns choosing the TV show from among the seven we were able to pull in via our roof's antenna. Each person watched for a half an hour then someone else got to choose.

This commercial for Coca-Cola made a huge impression by capturing the mood of the time. The people were young and singing about wanting to buy the world a coke and live in perfect harmony. The advertisement has been brought back a few times for nostalgia purposes but never has the same impact it did when we first heard it. That's probable true of most things and especially this commercial. We didn't hear it as nostalgia. It was a real sentiment, a hope for a better day. This was an American Dream, admittedly not the loftiest of goals though living and singing in harmony sound pretty good to me these days.

                                                                                

What I Would Say To The RHS Distinguished Alumni

I have a stand-in giving my speech on March 10th. They asked me in the first place because I nominated my classmate, Stephanie Jones. Here is what my pal Siobhan (Thanks, Siobhan) will say:

Stephanie,

So sorry that I couldn’t be here tonight to say these words myself and to revel with you and your father, the Good Judge, on this most joyful occasion.

We all know it’s not everyday that RHS honors their Distinguished Alumni, though I can safely predict that this will not be the last of these events. It’s clear to me that the RHS Alumni support their newly formed Alumni Association and that the Board of Trustees are truly dedicated to furthering important activities such as these Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Now I would like to tell you all why I nominated Stephanie Jones RHS Class of 1977 for this award and am so pleased that she is receiving it here tonight.

Even if you have met Stephanie only one time in your life then you will understand when I say she is a memorable individual. The enthusiasm, good cheer, wisdom, and compassion come pouring out of her all the time. This is not an act. She is 100% true and a single meeting always confirms this fact.

Let me give just one example from among the many which typify the kind of person Stephanie is and why she is deserving of our recognition. I realize one instance does not always make the case, but Stephanie’s sustained and steady appreciation for her parents and all they have done for her throughout her life does speak very highly of her. In addition, she lives the lessons her parents taught her. Among these lessons are a ready show of empathy and kindness, especially to the weak and needy, and a preparedness to do the hard jobs in life no matter who is watching.

In my opinion, this all amounts to the kind of integrity which makes for a role model, as well as a touchstone upon which we can verify the quality of our own beliefs for authenticity.

Please understand me when I state that we all can be very proud of the honor we are bestowing upon Stephanie Jones this evening.

Thank you.

Paul McCubbin, RHS Class of 1977