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Liz Claiborne: Educated children are a true natural resource

Liz Claiborne, internationally famous fashion designer, was the guest speaker at the Salmon Prairie Elementary School graduation last Friday night. More than 50 people crowded into the one-room school building for the ceremony.

Claiborne addresses the two graduates: Tara Anderson and Owen Conley.

"People think of our country as being rich because of natural resources such as timber and gold," Claiborne said.

She pointed out, however, that we also enjoy something more important, "brains - educated kids."

"Educated children are a true natural resource," she added.

Claiborne described how her own education had suffered during the years following World War II in Europe when she frequently moved from one school to another. Although she attended a finishing school, where she said she "learned a little bit about everything" she still lacked knowledge of some of the basics, like spelling. To this day, she said, she still uses a dictionary when she writes letters.

Claiborne urged the students to take education seriously.

"Montanans will all benefit if children are encouraged to pursue a good education," she explained.

Tara Anderson and Owen Conley wrote to Ms. Claiborne earlier this year, asking if she would speak during their graduation ceremony.

She accepted their invitation, explaining that the Swan Valley means a lot to her.

Claiborne owns a ranch here and visits the area often.

Tara and Owen also wrote letters to other famous people this spring. They received personal replies from staff people at the White House (including a phone call from staff members and letters signed by President Reagan); a letter from Barbara Mandrell; and a letter from Tom Selleck's secretary.

The idea of inviting a famous person to speak during graduation came up about three years ago, when Tara's older brother graduated from Salmon Prairie.

Governor Ted Schwinden was the guest speaker that year, and Owen and Tara vowed then to also invite a famous speaker.

At that time, they were thinking in terms of Cindy Lauper and Roy Rogers - two people who did not reply to their invitations this spring.

Regarding Liz Claiborne, Owen Conley grinned and said simply, "I didn't think she'd come." Both students indicated that they were impressed with Ms. Claiborne and her family.

"They are pretty neat people - pretty sociable," Owen said.