Librarian recalls school days with Clinton

By LAUREN L. DILLARD

Of the News-Register

A recent New York Times article landed on the desk of Jill Poyer, who heads the McMinnville Public Library. It featured the relationship between Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Peavoy, a chum of hers from her high school days in Park Ridge, Ill.

The article was brought to Poyer's attention because she went to the same school at the same time and knew both of them.

Poyer described her relationship with Clinton, a former First Lady now representing New York in the U.S. Senate, as "more than acquaintances." Though they didn't live near each other, so didn't have any contact in elementary or middle school, they ran in the same circles in high school and developed a friendship.

"She was so much the way she is now," said Poyer, terming Clinton as a dedicated individual who made community service a mission.

Clinton made headlines recently when presidential rival John Edwards criticized her appearance, saying he was "not sure about that coat" in reference to a pink suit jacket.

"I wish she'd said she didn't like his blue tie," Poyer said. "I don't get excited about that stuff any more."

Poyer called Clinton an incredibly intelligent woman with an "astounding ability to work with people." She believes Clinton has the potential to make her a good president - to the point where she has placed an order for a bumper sticker.

She said, "I regret that she voted for the war." But she went on to say, "I think she has a strong enough will and a strong enough hide. I have this idea that Hillary is going to surmount the obstacle of being a woman president."

Poyer remembers Clinton as a person of great vision and promise even then. She said Clinton spoke against the War in Vietnam in her graduation speech, and her fellow students were supportive, even though the prevailing politics in the community were quite conservative.

"I think she has had to make some huge compromises," Poyer said. But she said Clinton's vision continues to shine through.

"She knew how to do the First Lady thing, and she did a whole lot more," Poyer said.