Cactus Shadows (where could it be but Arizona?) High School Social Studies Teacher L. Mark Sweeney, recognized for his intellect and his teaching skills, spoke at the 2005 graduation ceremony. By all accounts, Sweeney's speech was excellent.
Last Wednesday, a CSHS graduate, who did not wish to be identified, stopped by the Sonoran News with a document he said “might be of interest” to the paper. Typed across the top in big, bold type was, “The Dean of Plagiarism Brings You ...” The following line contained the title: “Look at the view ...” The next line, which was crossed out, read, “Anna Quindlen’s Villanova Commencement Address, 1999,” was followed by, “L. Mark Sweeney’s Cactus Shadows High School Graduation Address, 2005.”Sonoran News Sportswriter Pete Mohr attended the graduation ceremony. He even took notes during Sweeney’s address. And, the notes Mohr took during Sweeney’s address were verbatim from Quindlen’s 1999 Villanova Commencement Address...After asking Mohr if Sweeney’s graduation address was the same as Quindlen’s Villanova address, [the anonymous graduate ] bee-lined down to CSHS to see if he could get a copy of Sweeney’s address from CSHS Principal Gaye Leo...
During his conversation with [Sonoran News Publisher/Editor Don] Sorchych, Sweeney said Leo told him Sonoran News had a copy of the speech. Sweeney explained that his sister found the commencement address a long time ago and sent it to him and he just filed it away. Sweeney said he recently located the file, made a few changes and while he admitted he gave no attribution, Sweeney cited he didn’t know who penned the piece.
A rather cursory Google internet search, using, “Look at the view. You’ll never be disappointed,” yields a plethora of results revealing Quindlen’s name as the author of the 1999 Villanova Commencement Address.
Ooopsie. Isn't it interesting how Google trips up so many sneaky folks these days?
(Hat tip: Michael B.)
Posted by kswygert at June 7, 2005 02:47 PM