I had to travel 3 hours east to my next destination to Radcliffe's Elementary School. I didn't have much time to explore the small town but was impressed with the grain silos that gave me a clue as to where I would need to turn to find the school.

The K-5 students were well behaved and enjoyed confessing their dreams to me. I am always amazed by the smiles when children confess their dreams to the rest of their class.

My next stop in the afternoon was to South Hardin Middle School. The reception I received in the afternoon was thunderous. The school's superintendent also received me with a warm reception. He had just made it from a long flight where he had had a layover in Texas. He was excited telling me about the new technology and building the school was in the process of building.

Three young men introduced me to thunderous applause and the students were bright and alert to the message I delivered. We certainly had fun. After my speech, three young ladies confessed that they were soft ball players and hoped one day to receive the merits my daughter, Erin, has received. They touched Erin's Team USA uniform like it were the Holy Grail.

What I will always remember from my trip to Hubbard Radcliffe is what happened after the admiring crowd dispersed. A young lady wearing dark make-up and dressed in black ( I believe the kids call it Gothic) asked me about my writing contest. She seemed as if the world had finally opened up to her and she would have this opportunity to express the feelings I'm assuming she kept hidden inside from a small town like Hubbard that might not be willing to accept her uniqueness.

This young lady had a dream like most of these children but her dream was already teeming within and I certainly hope she will express her feelings via the writing essay. Behind all that make-up I could see her yearning. I am fortunate that I didn't ask her name because I'm sure it would have been difficult not to place her paper in high regard. Though I am sure the beauty within her and in her writing will surface through the stacks of essays. I hope, young lady, you will never lose that sense of speciality.