Burke shakes Cheney's hand
Senior dines with many politicians
By Calla Mounkes
October 20, 2006
Not very often do little town Eagles experience a brush with a celebrity, let alone a world political leader. However, senior Matt Burke recently shattered this generalization.
Burke met Dick Cheney, the vice president of the United States of America, on Oct. 12. Through a family friend, Jack Brier, former Kansas Secretary of State from 1978 to 1986, Burke got the opportunity to convene at a luncheon at Capital Plaza Hotel with several politicians including Kansas senate member Jim Barnett, U.S. representative Jim Ryun, and U.S. senator Sam Brownback.
Burke's teacher, Tina Davis, explained how Burke was afforded this opportunity.
"Jack Brier is a family friend. Matt has visited with Jack prior to registering to vote because he had lots of questions. Mr. Brier was so impressed with Matt's questions that he told ex-Governor Bill Graves about Matt. Mr. Graves then volunteered to purchase a lunch ticket for Matt," she said.
After learning about his fortune to meet these pivotal leaders, Burke felt initial surprise and then exhilaration.
"I was shocked at first and quiet. After school, I told the bus group on the way back to school and then Mrs. Davis, who was very excited for me. I had so much to do--hair cut, new suit, new dress shoes," said Burke.
Davis was thrilled with Burke's luck and recalled her chance encounter with former president Lyndon Johnson.
"I was very excited for Matt and a little envious. I met LBJ at San Marcas State University my freshman year. No matter what your party affiliation is, it's just a memorable occasion," said Davis.
During the luncheon, Burke logged many noteworthy memories.
"I found it real interesting that there were not very many women there. The Secret Service men and women are very interesting. They never look at someone's eyes but their hands.
"The chance to shake the vice president's hand, to get that close. It will never happen again," said Burke.
