Testimonial Speech
Testimonial Speech
I am delighted to be a part of this gala evening, and especially pleased to have the opportunity to share some of my thoughts and observations about this evening's honoree -- and my good friend, Cliff Kendall. Leader of the year -- certainly the term fits Cliff like a glove. But look around the room. This place is filled with leaders. This is a "power lunch," moved to the evening and dressed up in black ties and cocktail dresses. So how, do you suppose, did the Board of Trade choose one from the many deserving of honor for this singular recognition? Why Cliff above all others? I'd like to think that I can shed some light on that choice. There are dimensions to Cliff that set him clearly apart from most people; facets that, like those of a diamond, aren't very visible until light strikes them. So let me cast some light on the many facets of Cliff Kendall. Cliff grew up not far from here, in northeast Washington, but the distance from that place to the Capital Hilton has to be measured in more than just miles. Cliff grew up a world apart from here, far from sumptuous, elegant dinners and accolades. Cliff grew up in a rented duplex with his parents and sister -- a family doing their best to eke out a full life with very limited resources. He was only 16 when his father left the family. Cliff had always been extremely close to his mother, but at this early point in his life, Cliff had to become more than just the older brother and devoted son. He also had to be a breadwinner, helping his mother keep the family together. The work was grueling. He cleaned offices in the morning, then attended class at Eastern High School in northeast Washington, then spent the end of day at a second job as a clerk typist. His mother prevailed on him to attend college, despite his reservations about the cost and the possible loss of his much-needed income, and so he enrolled at Wilson Teachers College, which is now a part of the University of the
I am delighted to be a part of this gala evening, and especially pleased to have the opportunity to share some of my thoughts and observations about this evening's honoree -- and my good friend, Cliff Kendall. Leader of the year -- certainly the term fits Cliff like a glove. But look around the room. This place is filled with leaders. This is a "power lunch," moved to the evening and dressed up in black ties and cocktail dresses. So how, do you suppose, did the Board of Trade choose one from the many deserving of honor for this singular recognition? Why Cliff above all others? I'd like to think that I can shed some light on that choice. There are dimensions to Cliff that set him clearly apart from most people; facets that, like those of a diamond, aren't very visible until light strikes them. So let me cast some light on the many facets of Cliff Kendall. Cliff grew up not far from here, in northeast Washington, but the distance from that place to the Capital Hilton has to be measured in more than just miles. Cliff grew up a world apart from here, far from sumptuous, elegant dinners and accolades. Cliff grew up in a rented duplex with his parents and sister -- a family doing their best to eke out a full life with very limited resources. He was only 16 when his father left the family. Cliff had always been extremely close to his mother, but at this early point in his life, Cliff had to become more than just the older brother and devoted son. He also had to be a breadwinner, helping his mother keep the family together. The work was grueling. He cleaned offices in the morning, then attended class at Eastern High School in northeast Washington, then spent the end of day at a second job as a clerk typist. His mother prevailed on him to attend college, despite his reservations about the cost and the possible loss of his much-needed income, and so he enrolled at Wilson Teachers College, which is now a part of the University of the