It is always good to be back at CCH, especially for one of our All School Masses.

I wear these rainbow suspenders on special occasions. One such an occasion was early this year when I was part of Team that put on a senior retreat. When you give a talk you have a beginning and an ending song.

One of my songs that I used was-----

"Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

“What a Wonderful World” He was called IZ

The song is a blend of Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland from the Wizard of OZ and What a Wonderful World by Louie “Satchmo” Armstrong

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole (Hawaiian pronunciation: [kaˌmakaˌʋiwoˈʔole]; May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997) was a Hawaiian musician Icon.

(He was an extremely large man (over 700 pounds at one time) and played a small ukulele)

I think that being at Cov Cath is like being Over the Rainbow in a Wonderful World.

Some of the lyrics of the song make me think of Cov Cath

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

And the dreams that you dream of

Dreams really do come true

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky are also on the faces of Colonels passing by. I see Colonels shaking hands saying How do you do?

They're really saying I, I love you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world World

56 years ago I sat where you Freshmen are

55 years ago I sat where you Sophomores are

54 years ago I sat where you Juniors are

53 years ago I sat where you Seniors are

Little did I know that my entire life would be entwined around Covington Catholic High School. During that time I have worn many hats and performed many tasks for the school

I believe the saying once a Colonel always a Colonel. Many of my lifelong friends are Colonels.

Today I am an extremely humbled Colonel. To have a scholarship named after you and to see the list of the many supporters who contributed to the scholarship fund is overwhelming.

The wonderful people who support Covington Catholic make it financially possible for many of you guys to attend the greatest school in Kentucky. The Greatest School in Kentucky

Many of our alumni come back to help in a variety of ways. Some teach, some coach, some work the Christian Awakening Retreats, some give their time working the bingo and every banquet that is held during the school year, and many contribute financially.

I would hope, no not hope, I expect you Colonels, I expect you Colonels to follow in their footsteps and give of your time, treasure and talent. As you become successful in your careers remember your roots from Covington Catholic and be generous so others may experience the special place we have here. Remember being at Cov Cath is like being Over the Rainbow in a Wonderful World.

We really have a unique and special school—almost like a Brotherhood

Are you a true Cov Cath Colonel????