ELBRIDGE -- One of Jordan-Elbridge Central School District Superintendent Marilyn Dominick's tips for the graduating class of 2009: "Always have a Plan B."
"I didn't know when I wrote this a few weeks ago how applicable it would be," she said, explaining that a power outage Saturday morning forced graduation to be moved to the gymnasium, a first for Jordan-Elbridge.
After the national anthem, sung by Meghan Caldwell and Jamee Swope, valedictorian Ryan Badman invited classmates to consider what an education is, especially in light of the freedoms and opportunities available in this country.
"Discoveries in medicine and science and reform in government and big business would never have occurred if individual men and women did not stand up against traditional beliefs and diligently pursue discovery and justice," he said. He urged listeners to use their education and be daring enough to take on the problems plaguing society today.
"Whether this chapter in history is grim or a golden age is determined by the amount of effort we put into improving our towns, our country, and our earth," he said. In the words of Gandhi, 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'"
Salutatorian Kaylee Kralick reminisced about high school years and specific events. She told the class not to lose sight of their dreams, stay true to themselves, not to fear life's experiences, and to do their best.
Senior class president Elizabeth St. Germaine said, "Be resilient and learn quickly from life's bumps."
"This is our time to make a difference, This is our time to shine," she said."
Student council president Hanne Bailey, known for her leadership roles and extensive volunteer work, also talked about meaningful events throughout the years at Jordan-Elbridge. "This is a class of great accomplishments," she said.
Board of education president Mary Alley stressed the spirit of volunteerism pervading the community and the student body.
"In the words of Mother Theresa, 'There are many people who can do big things but very few people who will do the small things. To smile at someone who is sad; to visit even for a while, someone who is lonely; to give shelter from the rain with our umbrella; to read something for someone who is blind, these and others can be small things, very small things ...'"
Dominick pointed out the example of service demonstrated by a 9-year-old boy in China who repeatedly went back into a collapsed school after an earthquake to try to save his classmates. "It was my duty," he had said, "I am the hall monitor."
"I don't know what all the fuss is about," joked associate principal and athletic director Brad Hamer about the last-minute change of venue. "I'm very comfortable here in the gym." He then presented awards and recognized those who received scholarships.
Counselor Jaimie Susino described the growth of the Jordan-Elbridge Scholarship Foundation (Dollars for Scholars) which grew over a 24-year period from $5,000 and 14 scholarships in 1986 to a total of $500,000 since inception and 72 scholar recipients this year.
Mary Bartoszewski was named to the Wall of Honor by the board of education for volunteerism and dedication to the community.
After the national anthem, sung by Meghan Caldwell and Jamee Swope, valedictorian Ryan Badman invited classmates to consider what an education is, especially in light of the freedoms and opportunities available in this country.
"Discoveries in medicine and science and reform in government and big business would never have occurred if individual men and women did not stand up against traditional beliefs and diligently pursue discovery and justice," he said. He urged listeners to use their education and be daring enough to take on the problems plaguing society today.
"Whether this chapter in history is grim or a golden age is determined by the amount of effort we put into improving our towns, our country, and our earth," he said. In the words of Gandhi, 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'"
Salutatorian Kaylee Kralick reminisced about high school years and specific events. She told the class not to lose sight of their dreams, stay true to themselves, not to fear life's experiences, and to do their best.
Senior class president Elizabeth St. Germaine said, "Be resilient and learn quickly from life's bumps."
"This is our time to make a difference, This is our time to shine," she said."
Student council president Hanne Bailey, known for her leadership roles and extensive volunteer work, also talked about meaningful events throughout the years at Jordan-Elbridge. "This is a class of great accomplishments," she said.
Board of education president Mary Alley stressed the spirit of volunteerism pervading the community and the student body.
"In the words of Mother Theresa, 'There are many people who can do big things but very few people who will do the small things. To smile at someone who is sad; to visit even for a while, someone who is lonely; to give shelter from the rain with our umbrella; to read something for someone who is blind, these and others can be small things, very small things ...'"
Dominick pointed out the example of service demonstrated by a 9-year-old boy in China who repeatedly went back into a collapsed school after an earthquake to try to save his classmates. "It was my duty," he had said, "I am the hall monitor."
"I don't know what all the fuss is about," joked associate principal and athletic director Brad Hamer about the last-minute change of venue. "I'm very comfortable here in the gym." He then presented awards and recognized those who received scholarships.
Counselor Jaimie Susino described the growth of the Jordan-Elbridge Scholarship Foundation (Dollars for Scholars) which grew over a 24-year period from $5,000 and 14 scholarships in 1986 to a total of $500,000 since inception and 72 scholar recipients this year.
Mary Bartoszewski was named to the Wall of Honor by the board of education for volunteerism and dedication to the community.
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jssk61806 wrote on Jun 28, 2009 12:36 AM: