"Kruegs" It' s a name I haven't heard in a long, long time and was funny to hear it as well. Especially since the person who the name the refers to is someone I knew in high school - 17 years ago!?!

Kruegs and I, of course, are no longer in high school. And to be honest, before a fundraiser in the Milwaukee area two years ago, I hadn' t seen him since then either. John Krueger, or Mr. Krueger, as he is now called is a teacher at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin. On graduation day so many years ago, I don' t think either of us would have predicted this chance meeting. So much has happened since 1989. We are older, of course, but we are other things as well. There is some experience now and (by default) a little insight. More caution definitely. For John, there is a Mrs. John and two kids.

I really appreciate the effort that John went through to arrange my visit. In reality, this lecture was nearly two years in the making, the scheduling and funding which required some fancy grant writing footwork by John… I mean Mr. Krueger.

Mr. Krueger teaches a class at Homestead that I wish existed when I was in school. Instead of typical physical education activities, this class focuses on other types of 'sports'. Kayaking, bicycling and fishing are just a few of several events in which students participate. How cool is that? Seriously. Way to go Kruegs!

I like talking with high school students. There are some really great opportunities to make lasting impressions. Sure it might not be much, but these are high school kids. They don't want to be told what to do or how to do it. Still, changing one or offering a new insight to another or getting a third to just think a little more is an amazing opportunity. It is also not something to be taken lightly.

It's funny to imagine that Kruegs and I were once them. What an incredible gift to have most of your life in front of you. Endless opportunity. Use it wisely kid-o's. This world is yours to inherit. We are only borrowing it for a while.

By the way, the guy in the orange suit… that' s Kruegs! The polar bear, on the other hand, well that' s a story for another day. Thanks again old friend.