By PHIL OSBORNE

Danville Schools Education Foundation

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

For those of you much younger than I and those who don’t follow baseball, that is a quote from Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees way back in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Yogi wasn’t known for his intellectual capital, but if you dissect that quote, it is still pertinent. When you come to a fork in the road …

That is an underlying theme of The Convergence of Desire, a new play produced by the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County that will have its only public performance this Thursday, Feb. 7, in Gravely Hall. The play explores how five young men and women discover which fork in the road they will pursue based on their passion and what makes them feel alive!

We have all been there. Some discover their passions early and become teachers (thank goodness), health care professionals, first responders or entrepreneurs. Others need a little more time to discover his or her own passion, including yours truly who didn’t earn his college degree until age 25.

The play, written by Liz Orndorff, gives us a sense of the struggles that these “kids” face in charting a course for their future and also, through the story and music of Mike Archer, how some paths are best left unexplored.

I had the pleasure of reading the script last week. I got goosebumps. I had the honor of being invited to a rehearsal last Sunday. Again, goosebumps.

It’s gripping. It’s powerful. It’s germane to every family in this community. And it’s free.

Please consider taking an hour out of your busy schedule to come and watch this performance. Invite your neighbors, friends, and family. They will not be disappointed.

Another Yogi quote that seems appropriate is, “You can observe a lot by watching.” See you Thursday.

We have had tremendous response to our “alumni update” initiative. If you haven’t done so already, go to our website and click on the alumni tab to get to the update form.

You can also go to the distinguished alum page and make a nomination for this year’s class. There is a pdf you can download, or a form you can fill out online.

One final note, mark your calendar for June 8 and the 25th anniversary of the forensics team at Danville High School. You can find out more here: facebook.com/events/2298219007121629.

As always, Go Ads!

Phil Osborne is executive director of the Danville Schools Education Foundation. Email him with questions about the foundation at posborne@danvilleschoolsfoundation.org.