Classmate Emmanuel Noggoh's Comments during the 35th Reunion
Dinner-Dance, 02OCT2004
My name is Emmanuel Noggoh, the exchange student from Ghana,
Africa.
In January 1968, I came to Clarkstown High School as an exchange student.
I can still vividly remember seeing snow fall for the first time ---
live!!! I enjoyed my stay at Clarkstown High. When I returned home at
the end of my program the political landscape had changed. The Government
had been overthrown and the country was under a military rule. My
education was brought to a sudden end. The future was uncertain. I
therefore contacted Mr. Donn, the Guidance Counselor, about my
predicament.
To my surprise, in the Spring of 1969 I returned to Clarkstown High thanks
to you all. Your kindness in a fund-raising campaign enabled me to return
and complete my high school education and receive a diploma. Tonight, I
would like to thank you for your assistance, kindness and compassion for
making me who I am. I can still see the friendly faces that greeted me in
the hallways as well as the posters on the walls welcoming me back to
Clarkstown High. I am grateful for all you did for me 35 years ago. So I
say to you: Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
There is a Ghanaian proverb that says: It takes a village to raise a
child. Indeed, you are a testimony to that adage.
None of these good deeds would have happened without one special person.
He made it all happen by choosing me as his guest student and without him
I would never have attended and met you fine people at Clarkstown High.
In fact, before me he had played host to two other international students
-- Bill (nickname ) from Japan and Henri St. Maurice who is
here with us tonight from France with his wife.
Frankly, without him I dont know what my life would have been -- probably
sherpeding some sheep and goats in the wilderness??? He became, and still
is, my friend, confidant and advisor. He is my brother (and he aint
heavy) and I love and appreciate all he and his family have done and
continue to do for me and my family. I am deeply grateful and thankful.
I would like you to please join me in publicly expressing my sincere
thanks and gratitude to Eric Mokover. Thank you Eric and
thank you Class of 69!!!!!
I look forward to our 40th reunion. Thank you.