Last evening at the L.C. Walker Arena, the class of 2010 graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School! The ceremony was fabulous and the speakers outstanding.
After the procession of graduates and the playing of the National Anthem, the madrigal women sang a beautiful rendition of our Alma Mater.
Jacob Lubbers shared an eloquent invocation with his classmates followed by a presentation of school board members by our superintendent, Mr. Stephen Cousins.
The 2010 commencement marked the last graduation for Mr. Cousins as he has accepted the superintendency at Traverse City Area Public Schools. The Reeths-Puffer community was well served over the course of his 16 year career and we wish him the very best in his new adventure.
The high school instructional staff led the graduates in and included in this group are five teachers who have also walked in their last R-PHS graduation. The five retiring teachers are: Mr. Frank Witt, Mr. Dan Millhisler, Mr. Steve Smith and Mr. Joe Milder. The combined years of instructional service to our district spans over 170 years! We too, wish them the very best in their years to come.
Our Valedictorian, Angela Bedoya, presented her speech in a taped format as she is currently undergoing treatment in Minnesota for Fanconi Anemia. Her words were inspiring and her attitude so positive and real that we’re sure to hear soon that her health is on a quick recovery path.
Our Salutatorian, James Cole, challenged his classmates to work hard and meet life’s challenges head-on, be truthful and passionate in all that you do.
The class speaker, Dan Mercer, used a lot of humor to send his message that it’s about the people along the way of life’s journey that make the memories, not so much the accolades earned or awarded.
I shared a bit about seeing the good in people. I mentioned that the images in our mind become the motivation in our heart resulting in the actions we engage in. See people for what they can be. Compliment someone for doing something good…compliment someone special to you for just “being” in your life.
The ceremony was professionally videotaped and is available for purchase. For more information on how to purchase a copy of the ceremony, contact my office (719-3107).
The link below is the traditional “tossing of the tassels” which is quite a sight from my chair! Needless to say, I’m very proud of my students and the humbled to be given the opportunity to lead such a wonderful school such as Reeths-Puffer High.
