The Measure Of A Man 

by  Clay44mate 

***

June 25, 2005 

When I was recently asked to name a person who has left an indelible mark upon my life and on the lives of countless others, the name that came to my mind was that of Clay Aiken.  I say this for many reasons. 

First and foremost, there is a lot more to Clay Aiken than his incredible voice and talent.  He is not just a successful recording artist, singer, performer and author.  He is a teacher first.  He is a philanthropist and a great humanitarian.  Regardless of his busy schedule and the many demands that go with being a celebrity, Clay Aiken still makes time to involve himself in numerous charitable projects. 

Clay Aiken is very shrewd and savvy in his business affairs.  He possesses everything it takes to succeed in today's ever-changing world.  He is a hard working, ambitious, goal oriented and tenacious young man.  He is not arrogant or pretentious.  What you see is what you get with him.  Clay Aiken is the "real deal." 

Clay Aikens' character encompasses the very man he is.  He has honorable morals and convictions...And through it all he still manages to remain "true to himself." 

Clay Aiken is a very compassionate and caring man.  He is selfless.  He is genuine...He is honest...He is sincere.  He is charitable.  He is loving and he is gentle.  This is a man that "feels" with every fiber of his being.  This is also a man who puts his heart and soul into everything he does -- he doesn't settle for mediocrity.  He pushes himself beyond all comprehension.  He always puts forth his best effort. He is just remarkable.  He is unbelievable! 

Clay Aiken is desirous of the same opportunities for all children world wide.  He has given new meaning to the word "inclusion."  Whether it be with his foundation, "The Bubel Aiken Foundation" or with his affiliation with Unicef (The Ambassador Of Education For All Children Around The World), Clay is tireless in his efforts to make a difference in the world. 

Clay Aiken not only inspires people to rise above their own limitations in life.  As well, he inspires people to try and make a difference in the lives of others...Whether it be the life of one person or the lives of many.  There aren't too many individuals in the world today that are capable of having that kind of influence over us.  Clay Aiken does... 

Through his own example, a lot more people are now more willing to leave their own problems behind them and follow in his footsteps.  Myself included.  Clay Aiken has tugged on the heart strings of Americans and they are answering back.  Because of who he is, what he believes in, what he stands up for and what he represents...It seems that more and more of us are ready and willing to step up, rise to the occasion, and do anything and everything that we can do to help further his causes.  Causes which are both honorable and noteworthy. 

Clay Aiken is the kind of person that people look up to...The kind of person that people wish to emulate...The kind of person that people aspire to be more like.  He is the kind of person that people feel that they can trust to do the "right" things.  Enough great things cannot be said about this incredible young man.  He is without a doubt, a role model for all! 

Clay Aiken is a man on a mission...He is unstoppable!  He is "The Measure Of A Man!" 
 

Lori Tambellini