| In 1967, Jerry's last year of high school, he
is asked by an art instructor to complete a mural the instructor started
on a wall in the custodian's office. Though Jerry is not taking any art
classes at the time, his work impresses the instructor so much that he
asks Jerry to design and make the crown for the homecoming queen's
upcoming celebration. Jerry works on the unique crown for over two
months. For his efforts on these two volunteer projects, he is awarded
the Principal's Award in Art Excellence at graduation ceremonies. Jerry
is also provided a grant by a local business to fly to Southwestern
College in Winfield, Kansas, a four-year college in arts and music, to
monitor classes and determine if he wants to attend. He returns totally
excited and ready to commit to college, but Uncle Sam has other plans
for him. |