Dear Editor:

In 1975, when I was a kindergarten student at Southport Central School, one of the most miraculous events that I have ever witnessed took place on Southport Island. Harold Seavey was an older boy who lived in my neighborhood and he idolized the American stunt performer, Evel Knievel. Over time, Harold built a ramp out of wooden scraps in an attempt to jump the school pond with his bicycle.

To give an idea of the sheer magnitude of this island social event, I should mention that grades K-8 were let out of school to watch, and as we encircled the school side of the pond with our teachers, Route 27 soon filled with pretty much the rest of the town — mothers pushing babies in strollers, workmen took their lunch breaks early, and curious neighbors lined the street. Harold had a sold out event without even advertising, as word tended to spread fast on the island during that time.

Harold started his approach from in front of the fire station. He did a few test runs back and forth to the ramp just to hype up the crowd. Then, all of a sudden, he peddled as fast as his legs could go, the rubber tires connected with the wooden ramp. Harold and his bicycle were airborne and it was magnificent!

They splashed down in the school pond and then, all of a sudden, Harold surfaced and started swimming for shore with one hand on his bike's handlebars, towing it behind him. We all watched with amazement as he shook off the pond water, hopped on his bicycle, and rode it back up to the fire station. Someone yelled out, "He's going to do it again!" and the crowd went wild.

Harold attempted the jump again with the same result, much to the delight of the entire town cheering for him. I learned a valuable lesson that day that I have never forgotten — no matter who you are, you must always follow your dreams.

As the years past, I would see Harold around town from time to time. We'd always say hello as Southporters do, and I'd always relive that jump in my mind as I'd walk away.

I was sorry to read that Harold recently passed away. I like to think that somewhere up above, he and Evel Knievel have crossed paths, and they are planning Harold's next jump.

Sarah Sherman

Southport Island