Celebration Weekend
Virginia Governor’s School
The Southwest Virginia Governor's School for Science, Mathematics, and Technology is one of eight schools to create special educational opportunities to students with aptitude and interest in science and mathematics.
Matthew received recognition awards, college credit and scholarship money.
Salutatorian Remarks
May 23, 2008
by Charlie F.
Mathew Burch spoke to today
of family, friends, and faith
Of Indian days and mentor roles
as Seniors seek their place.
As graduates with life and goals
to test and find and know
While holding close to values taught
by those that love them so.
It's mothers, fathers, friends and Church
and Rural Retreat ways
That offer thoughts of valued trust
a lighthouse for dark days.
But bright is what we see for him
and those with whom he learned
That honor holds a place in heart
in souls what's right should burn.
Its not the past to lead them true
they know what should apply
From heart and soul they'll make the start
but faith and love rely.
High school graduation, Governor's School Graduation, and a birthday all in one week. It was an exciting time that brought the family together.
Thursday night was graduation from Governor's school. We drove up I-81 to exit 98, then west to New River Community College. This event included dinner for the family. Matthew said think of the long tables in Harry Potter. We enjoyed the good food before the awards. There were over 60 graduates from the surrounding counties. We learned that Matthew had long bus ride every morning and that he was a problem solver with computers. He received a scholarship and diploma.
Friday we helped Matthew celebrate his birthday with the family going to the new Indiana Jones movie and eating ice cream cookies. Granddad even got a candle in his cookie.
Danny and Lori arrived with their children. Charlie brought Amy to visit also. We all assembled for supper and then went to Rual Retreat High School. Matthew sat on the podium and delivered a speech as Salutatorian. He recieved two schoolarship awards and the diploma. We saw many other young people we recognized from church and the Govenor's School.
