Life lessons learned from Scout

I had just finished watching this year's Kennedy Center Honors when the idea for this week's article appeared from the fog that had been blocking my mind. The term, "Scout" actually refers to another of my all time favorite characters, Scout, from the eternal and in my opinion greatest American novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird." You will have to bear with me as I wander through my erratic thoughts and subjects that led me to Scout.

As is often the case, I find that my daydreaming mentality pilots me in directions that appear to be haphazard at best. I really don't mind how I get to where I am going as long as it is a bit interesting along the way.

Tonight they honored five artists with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. The program has become one of our most treasured events each year. President John F. Kennedy felt back in 1963, that we should do more to honor the artists in our society.

To that end, each year we present five special people of the arts with an honor bearing the late President's name. The only surviving member of JFK's immediate family is his daughter Carolyn. Each year she graciously hosts the honors at the Kennedy Center.

This year the honors were presented to the following recipients. The first was to film director, producer, and film preservationist, Martin Scorsese. The second award this year was tendered to that "wild and crazy guy," Steve Martin. The third distinction was in tribute to the famous MoTown recording artist, Dianna Ross.

The fourth artist to be acclaimed, was one with whom I was unfamiliar. Leon Fleisher was one of our greatest American pianists, composers, and directors. Leon really represents to me the actual intent of President Kennedy. Without his receiving such an honor, it is doubtful I would ever have learned of his great talents.

The final honoree was Brian Wilson, the leader of the famed Beach Boys Band. Brian was a part of the revolution that took place in the era of rock 'n' roll.

When they were performing the 1965 hit "California Girls" even President Bush seemed to come alive as the crowd danced in the isles.

All of these deserving artists are appreciated and will be remembered for a long time I am sure. There is however, another person who recently received an honor that means much more to me and I am sure to a few of you.

Last month, Harper Lee, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom award. When it comes to an honoree, she is at the very tip-top of my list.

I did a little research on Ms. Lee, and she is a woman as interesting as her writing. First of all, Harper is a very reclusive person. She hardly ever gives interviews, and there was some doubt that she would go to the White House to receive the honor. Lucky for all of us she did attend.

She was born in Monroeville, Ala., in 1926. Her father was an attorney and later a state legislator.

It is thought that the character "Atticus Finch," was likely patterned after her father.

Here's a tidbit --Truman Capote was a childhood friend of Harper's.

There is no question that he was the person upon whom she founded the character "Dill." Harper and Truman remained friends for years, and she was one of his research partners for his famous book "In Cold Blood." Capote always felt that Harper was one of our greatest writers. Unfor-tunately for all of us, her shy demeanor and reclusive ways kept her from writing another great novel.

The main character in her novel is a young girl nicknamed Scout. It is through her eyes that America was allowed to finally see the emotional tragedy of the segregated south. It is Scout's widowed father "Atticus Finch" who becomes an American hero.

Gregory Peck one of our greatest actors portrayed Atticus Finch in the movie based on Harper's book.

They became steadfast friends all of his life. Peck's son is named Harper in honor of that friendship.

Gregory Peck always said that the part of Atticus Finch was the greatest of his career. He embodied all that we as Americans hold dear about the law and fairness.

I wrote an article called "Atticus" a year or more ago. After I wrote that article, I received one of the best compliments ever. Judge Jerry McBeth came up to me and told me he really liked the article. He added that the main reason he always wanted to go to law school was because of the character Atticus Finch.

For a hack writer, that is the best kind of praise you can receive.

Yes, it is the time of year when we look back and present the great ones with their deserved honors. I am so thankful that there are Kennedy Center Honors.

I am especially proud that Harper Lee was bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Like her character, Scout, she takes the lead. She leads us on a path to being better people. Lately there has been so much bitterness here in our country.

I am thankful that there are still great Americans like these who by their talents and leadership, show us all how to live.