Mr. Beckeman's Blog

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.

Tossing of the Tassels

The R-P Rocket family got together over the winter to help raise money for the VanAndel Institute for Cancer Research by staging a Varsity Basketball Purple Game at the high school. 

The total giving came to over $14,000.00 and the VanAndel’s made a personal visit to R-P to thank the community for their efforts in not only raising money but raising the awareness level on the cancer research being conducted at VAI.

I recently received their released commercial from Mrs. Kelley Peel, counselor and lead supporter for all our work with VAI.  You can view it by clicking on the attached link below:

VIA PURPLE THANKYOU

The Pride Day 2010 honoree, chosen by student council was Mr. Charles Hodson, director of bands for R-PHS.  Mr. Hodson’s twenty year career as leader of our Rocket Instrumental Music program made for an easy choice for student council.  Under Mr. Hodson’s leadership, our marching band has won eight state championships and one national championship.  The wind ensembles consistently earn top ratings in MSBA competitions year in and year out and the jazz band is second to none!

The student council staged the best Pride Day in recent memory.  The students enjoyed a hearty lunch served by staff and then were off to participate in games and activities such as:  bull riding, ultimate frisbee, home run derby, basketball, soccer, chalk art, volleyball, floor hockey, kickball, starcraft, dunk tank, moon walk, obstacle course, tennis, guitar hero, karaoke, softball, flag football, open weightlifting, car show, sodoku, horse riding and listening to a rock band.

Many thanks go to Mr. Marshall, Mr. Hankinson and the student council members that were responsible for organizing the events and activities for the day.  It was surely a day to remember!

Being a Rocket is just plain cool!

If you would like to view some photos from the day, click on the link below:

Pride Day Photos

If you would like to view the madrigals singing and dancing to “ABC” by the Jackson Five, click on the link below:

Madrigals Pride Day

Our Children’s Theatre staged a fun dance for our Pride Day assembly.  The video can be viewed by clicking on the link below:

CT Pride Day 2010

The junior class staged a memorable prom for the seniors with the theme: “A Night in Paris”.  The students were elegantly dressed and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful setting at the Trillium in Spring Lake.

Photos from the evening can be viewed through the link provided below:

Prom 2010

Our high school prom is one of the best memories our students create for themselves when they reflect back on their high school days.  It’s my genuine hope that 100% of all our students attending this year’s prom will indeed count their prom as one of the best memories they have about their days R-PHS.

Parents…as your son/daughter prepares for this big event, please consider talking with them about their choices and helping them to make wise choices. 

Find out what your child is going to be doing that night.  If there are  pre- and post-prom parties, encourage them to attend, but if alcohol is present, counsel them to leave the scene right away.

It’s always good to share with them that you’re concerned for their safety and the safety of those they’re riding with. Talk with them about the consequences of drinking — diminished judgment and becoming more uninhibited.  Share your specific concerns about what might happen that could compromise their safety.

Kids should never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, even if it’s their girlfriend or boy friend. Many parents have a bargain with their teenagers that they can call home at any time of day or night to be picked up with no questions asked.

Prom can be a great experience for your son or daughter.  Keep the lines of communication open and honest with them.  It could be the difference between a great night and a nightmare.