Recently a truly incredible person passed away. This person made many people open their eyes. I had never met him. He was not a movie star, or a comedian, or a nobel prize winner. He was his own kind of hero.

He touched much of America, even as some of America turned against him. Why? When he was a young kid he received a blood transfusion due to his hemophilia. Unfortunately, this transfusion was contaminated with the virus HIV, the virus which causes AIDS, and which would eventually take his life at such a young age. This truly incredible youth is RYAN WHITE.

Ryan’s struggle and fight for an education made all of America look at him. He was not out to harm anyone. All he wanted to do was to get an education, and go on with what life he had left.

After his long fight and struggle to get an education in Kikomo, Indiana, he found a welcome mat in Cicero, Indiana. This became his new home for the rest of his short life. He was welcome here.

This proves that not all is bad. My hat goes off to Cicero, Ryan and his family. Ryan got the chance for the education he wanted so bad. Ryan received friends in his new home, and all over America. He made many people think during his 5 1/2 year battle with AIDS.

On April 8, AIDS finally won. Ryan lost his long fight. I think almost all Americans gained something from Ryan, and he made most people think about him for at least a minute.

I think it opened people’s eyes about AIDS, he showed AIDS is not just a “gay” disease. Ryan’s funeral filled the largest church in Indiana and hundreds were turned away. Those in attendance included Elton John and Barbara Bush.

I see this as a form of a tribute to him. Ryan’s and his family’s loss was our gain. I thank Ryan for all he gave and wish him the best, he sure deserves it after all he has been through. Goodbye Ryan.

Jordan Kagan

Freshman