For first timers, the 14th Annual Destiny Awards Luncheon at St. Philip’s School and Community Center was an eye-opening experience. For old timers, it was returning to a familiar community filled with confidence, intelligence, compassion and hope.
As Luncheon Co-Chair Ashlee Kleinert and her folks, Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, greeted friends in the main hallway, neatly uniformed students served as hosts greeting one and all with “Welcome to St. Philips. May I help you?”, bright smiles, and non-blinking eye contact. It was immediately obvious that this educational incubator was preparing youngsters for futures of accomplishments, both personally and professionally.
One of those newcomers was luncheon speaker/Academy Award-winning Marlee Marlin. According to sources, the hearing-impaired actress was so taken by the St. Philips world, she commented that “Whoopi” (as in Goldberg) needed to know about it. That word-of-mouth sharing shouldn’t be a surprise. Just two years ago, Marlee’s pal and mentor Henry “The Fonz” Winkler had visited the school prior to attending the luncheon and was extremely impressed by the student body. But the best was still to come.
In the gym that had been converted into a mammoth ballroom with bleachers on one end of the room and a stage on the other, there were rows and rows of tables with centerpieces of canned goods courtesy of Tom Thumb. Luncheon Co-Chair Fredye Factor smiled as Tom Thumb’s Connie Yates passed by — “As soon as the luncheon is over, the centerpieces are going to the food pantry. Tom Thumb didn’t hesitate to help provide the food.” And speaking of food, catering maven Wendy Krispin was in the final stages of having lunch ready to serve. Looking at the tables and guests taking their seats, Wendy acknowledged the wonderment that is contagious for anyone who witnesses the St. Philip’s world. As guests finally settled down for lunch, WFAA anchor John McCaa directed their attention to the back of the room, where the St. Philip’s students sat in the bleachers. He also asked Marlee and her sign language interpreter Jack Jason to head to a couple of chairs facing the students.
Just as Marlee sat down, an adult voice slowly repeated the St. Philip’s creed as the students signed it with Gwen Bennett conducting. If you think that creed was a line or two, think again. For your consideration, here it is: Look at me. I am more than what you see. Destiny is mine! If it is to be, it’s up to me. Society will condemn, but only I determine my path. My people have suffered and died for my chance to read and do math. Just as sacrifices were made to make my future bright, it is my responsibility to do things that are right. I must start today to pave the way. The community and the world need my contributions. In success, I will not stray. The bias, the rumors, nor the stereotypes will hinder my growth; I claim dignity and prosperity. My God promises both. Look at me! I am sharp, empowered, talented and proud without limit. I will use my education to explore new heights. The sky is the limit, if I just put my mind in it. When I say, “stick it out,” I don’t mean a hand. I will persevere to play my role in God’s omniscient plan. I will live by “put ups, not put downs” for my sister and my brother. I care for you; I respect you. If I don’t, why should another? Success is my right – failure my option. I have the voice. The consequences I will accept, for I made the choice. Look at me! Great things lie ahead. Judge me not by what you’ve been told, but by what’s in my head.
Afterwards, Marlee signed “I love you” to the students, hugged Gwen and returned with an amazed smile on her face.
Perfectly behaved, the students filed out of the room.
As guests lunched and St. Philip’s Headmaster Dr. Terry Flowers stood in the back of the room, St. Philip’s 2008 alumnus Evan White gave the Call of Action talk about his life after St. Philip’s, including living with a family in China where he encountered a challenging grandmother who sent him packing. Instilled with confidence, maturity and determination, Evan took it as a learning experience for his future encounters.
Following testimonials by students and parents about the St. Philip’s program, Marlee took the podium, bending the mic away. She kidded that she wouldn’t be needing it. In the back of the room, some of the older students were seated to learn from Matlin, who recalled her early childhood with a family that instilled confidence in her despite her impairment. She also told how Winkler had encouraged her to continue her desire to act despite her mother’s apprehensions. Surprising the audience, she revealed that her excitement over receiving the Academy Award for “Children of a Lesser God,” was quickly dampened when film critic Rex Reed dismissed the accomplishment as a “pity vote”. But thanks to Winkler and her determination, she rose above the Reed comment, achieving successes, both personally and professionally.
Concluding her talk, she taught the gym-full of guests like Ronnie Berg, Isabell Novakov, Luncheon Co-Chair Sarah Losinger and her husband Alan, Dennis Factor, Chris Kleinert and Bobby Lyle how to sign “courage”, “dreams” and “success”. She explained that courage + dreams= success. . . “This is a math equation that should be taught in every institution.”
As she left the stage, the guests applauded and the students signed their approval by raising their arms. Marlee smiled as she spotted the “signs of approval” from the back of the room.
Then Terry and St. Philip’s Board Chair David Saustad presented the following awards:
- Leadership — Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt
- Unsung Hero — David “The Soup Man” Timothy
- Organization — Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America
- Corporation — Omni Dallas Hotel
It’s too bad that Marlee had to leave early to catch her flight. But perhaps she ran into Evan at the airport. He’d had to catch a flight for Taiwan for another exchange program.