We remember
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My name is Casey Fields, and I am honored to be joined at the podium by Pat Kirk, his wife Leslie Wheat Kirk, Caroline Suggs Milliken, and their two sons, members of the A.C. Flora Class of 1996 and 1995. Not only are these A.C. Flora graduates, but more importantly they are some of Will Busbee's closest friends.
In the spring of 1996, 12 long years ago, our class was sitting where you are sitting tonight looking forward to graduation. We all had exciting plans. Some of us were going to college in all parts of the country, some of us were headed for military training and duty, and some of us were venturing out into the world of work. We were, and still are, a close- knit group of friends who, while excited about our new beginnings, were not quite sure we wanted to leave each other.
A very important one among our class and our friends was Will Busbee. Will joined our class in the sixth grade at Crayton Middle School, and from the very beginning, I think we all knew he was a special person. Will was quite the outdoorsman. He enjoyed rafting, hiking, mountain biking, water skiing, and traveling to places we had never heard of. Will was a member of the track and soccer teams, a member of the Spanish club, an Eagle Scout, voted Friendliest by his senior class. He was very active with his church youth group and its mission trip.
But the thing we remember most about Will was he genuinely cared about other people, not just his friends, but everybody. As described by his dad, Will always made everyone feel special and good about themselves. Character, integrity, and respect for others and his environment were just a few of Will's strong suits. Our friends said he was a role model to us; he was motivated; we admired him; all around great guy; he represented what everyone in society should be; unfailing positive attitude; curious; good- hearted enthusiasm; unique spirit; and a selfless dedication to friends and more importantly, to his family.
In September 2002, the Class of 1996 lost one of its own. After a valiant battle with cancer, we lost our wonderful friend. However, in his most difficult times, he was concerned about his parents, his brother Brantley, and his friends. To say that we miss Will is a huge understatement, but we are determined that Will's compassion, strength of character, his humor, and his unwavering integrity will be remembered forever. So, the Class of 1996, along with the Class of 1995 and the entire A.C. Flora family has established the annual Will Busbee Award. This award, as described by his friends, represents everything Will represented.
We have someone very special to present the award. Will Kirk, Pat and Leslie's son, who is named for Will Busbee. Pat and Will were best friends. Now we all have a special connection to Will Kirk.
The person who receives this award has some big shoes to fill. We have the honor of presenting this award to a very deserving member of the Class of 2008. The award was nominated and voted on by the staff of A.C. Flora.
The recipient, as described by the faculty, is one of the best kids ever taught, all around good kid, extremely bright, conscientious, and hard- working. More school spirit than any high school student, a great friend to classmates, always there to lend a hand. This student has a great deal of integrity and strives to reach personal goals, very involved in church, school, and community activities. Always has a smile, has the stan- dard of a student athlete, a real leader by example with great enthusiasm.
On behalf of the A.C. Flora Class of 1996, 1995, A. C. Flora faculty and especially Will's friends and family, it is our honor and privilege to present the Sixth Annual Will Busbee Award to the Falcon himself, Mr. Kevin O'Quinn.
O'Quinn is the son of Kim White Finney and J. Perry O'Quinn. His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Jake O'Quinn and Mr. and Mrs. Guy White.
