 Hello, my name is Plussett Shreve and I am a student from Montgomery County, Maryland. This summer I'll be working as an intern for the NEA Foundation. This poem was written to honor Mark Trichester and Dennis VanRocco for their tremendous service to the NEA Foundation. The advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. To the purveyors of wisdom. To those who have guided the heavy reins of leadership in service of that noble creed. And especially to the dedicated few who each day arrive at the doors marked courage and compassion and push through with both hands. This is the legacy you leave. Life itself. The void of that heavy handed presumption which would have us believe there are limits to what you can achieve. Life itself. Teaming with all the possibility and all the responsibility of change. Of newfound everything. And we who have grown with vigor into health from the fruit of your service raise our voices in multitude. We greet you at the doors marked courage and compassion with overwhelming gratitude. Because someone taught us the advantage of knowledge. To stand on our minds. And you have taught us the blessings of leadership and service. To stand on our hearts. And of what dedication it demands. And of what humility it commands. Your journey has taken you from here to there. But at times your past will whisper to your future. So listen. And remember many years of service to a calling higher, higher than yourself. It is the legacy you leave behind and which you must now push before you. Life itself with purpose.