“Being of the old age of 17, I have come across many things that could potentially be called ‘accomplishments.' Of course, many of these the potential candidates have yet to complete. And it's very difficult to say that the accomplishments I complete now are going to mean the same thing when I'm hopefully really old (like when I'm 18). But currently there are a few things that I would hope would make it onto the condensed ‘story of my life' known as my obituary.

Although I'm not finished with high school, I would like to add into my obituary that, ‘Zach McKinney, known for many things, such as his extraordinarily large brain and flowing hair, has successfully completed high school in 2010.' Though this seems like a very small goal, especially in a world where a college degree is the minimum requirement, this to me, would be a big step in the right direction!

Other than that, the basic information would fill out the rest of my obituary. Just general knowledge stuff about myself, such as: Walked on the moon with Neil and Lance Armstrong, won the Coney hot dog eating contest 11 times, and has been in control of everything in his life since day one.' Just the filler stuff. Nothing too big, brash or important. Oh, and I won the Nobel Peace Prize... twice.

Yup, that's me in a nutshell.”

Zachary McKinney, senior

Roseburg High School



“I hope to live a long and happy life, such that when I die my obituary will reflect my happiness.

I want to get married someday, so I hope that my obituary will say that I loved my husband to the fullest extent and that we had an honest and caring relationship.

I also want to have kids, and I hope that it will be said that I treated them fairly and with the respect, and that I loved them as much as my mom loves me.

I also would like to have some sort of community service achievement listed in my obituary, because I really enjoy helping people and hope to be involved in a lot more community service throughout my life.

While accomplishments based on merit are important to me, I would rather my obituary recognize more of my character accomplishments as a reflection of who I truly was.”

Laura Gordon, junior

Roseburg High School



“If I died and needed an obituary written I would like to be remembered for many things. Chief among these is changing people's lives for the better, being a good friend, and being a good leader.

Changing people's lives is always worthwhile, and there is a sense of satisfaction that goes along with helping people achieve their goals, or make their lives better.

Being a good friend means that you are always there for moral support, you listen to what your friends have to say, and you are kind.

Something I value is leadership. Leaders can listen as well as direct. They can step back and let someone else take control if it makes more sense, and they try to deal with everyone's concerns.

At this point I haven't changed people's lives, become a good friend or learned to lead well. I am extremely grateful that I have many more years ahead of me in which I can achieve these things.”

Erin Cline, eighth-grader

Joseph Lane Middle School



Truth of Youth, which appears in Monday's News-Review, is an opportunity for teens to express their opinions. If you would like to submit a question or are a teen interested in writing for the column, write to DD Bixby at P.O. Box 1248, Roseburg, OR 97470 or e-mail dbixby@nrtoday.com.