REMEMBERING A FRIEND; VALENCIA SCHOOL DEDICATES BENCH IN BOY'S HONOR.

Byline: Patricia Farrell Aidem Staff Writer

Teacher Larry Sweeney handed over a bagful of treasures Thursday to the parents of a treasured student - papers, projects and other memories of Michael Lynn's last days of school before cancer took his life.

Some youngsters handed flowers to Michael's mom and dad after Valencia Valley School's Class of 1999 remembered their lost classmate in a chorus of ``That's What Friends are For.''

It was a tearful prelude to today's sixth-grade commencement and a time for family and friends to celebrate Michael's short life. And it was a bittersweet farewell to the little boy who didn't make it to graduation day.

``I wish he could be here to celebrate with us in another way,'' Patti Lynn told the crowd that gathered to honor her son, who died in December.

Valencia Valley wanted to do something special for Michael, diagnosed with cancer in the third grade and noted for his courageous battle until he was forced to leave school in the fifth-grade.

A classic wooden bench with a plaque in his name was dedicated to Michael. And a check for nearly $800 was contributed in his memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the organization that seeks to make dreams come true for dying children. A check for the same amount has been donated to the William S. Hart PONY Baseball and Softball League for children who can't afford to play on the fields where Michael once played.

The money was raised from the community's share of the annual Santa Clarita Valley Dodger Night, one of the baseball club's longest standing and largest community nights.

Make-A-Wish was chosen as a benefactor because it was that organization that granted Michael's wish of playing golf at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Golf was a passion he had developed as he battled cancer.

Present at Thursday's memorial were all of Michael's teachers, from first grade on. All spoke of a bright athletic youngster who became a model of strength and courage.

``He always had this incredible smile,'' Sweeney said. ``The students felt this incredible genuine spirit from Mike.''

Michael asks why

Michael Lynn was in remission in 1997 when he wrote this poem about his cancer battle. He was awarded first place for literature in the Valencia Valley School Reflections literature contest.

Wouldn't it be great if . . . I could cure the world of cancer

I am only 9,

diagnosed with cancer, I asked why,

I am only 9.

Cancer is a scary word.

I hope one day to cure the world,

But I am only 9.

Tests and treatments all to tell,

I know this disease all too well,

Even though I'm only 9.

I've fought a battle,

Now I've won

An uphill climb

And now I'm done.

I still ask why.

I'm only 9 . . .

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos, Box

PHOTO (1--Color) Valencia Valley School pupil Kyle Porrazzo cries during a dedication Thursday in memory of fellow student Michael Lynn.

(2--Color) Patti and Mark Lynn listen during the dedication of a classic wooden bench with a plaque in their son Michael's name at Valencia Valley School on Thursday.

Hans Gutknecht/Daily News

(3) no caption (Michael Lynn)

BOX: Michael asks why (See text)