President Nance, Members of the Board of Education, Superintendent s Cabinet, Mrs. Hubbuch, Mr. Cordray, faculty

Transcription

1 President Nance, Members of the Board of Education, Superintendent s Cabinet, Mrs. Hubbuch, Mr. Cordray, faculty members, parents, family, friends, and graduates: thank you for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful day in the history of the MSD of Wayne Township. Today is a very special day for all of us. Receiving a High School Equivelency Diploma is a major milestone in your life and one that allows new doors to be opened in your future. Congratulations to you all. We Are Wayne. A motto used in the MSD of Wayne Township demonstrating community, unity, and pride. A motto apropos for today s ceremony. Our recent Strategic Planning efforts reinforced the pride Wayne Township residents have in our schools and in our community. That pride exists not only because of what is happening today in the MSD of Wayne, but because of the legacy left by our amazing alumni. We are Wayne is about all

2 who have been positively impacted by the opportunities in our district. By a quick show of hands, how many of today s graduates live in another community and traveled to learn from the amazing teachers in the MSD of Wayne Township Adult Education Program? Thank you! Today, you join the thousands of other graduates who have proudly participated in this ceremony earning them the privilege to forever be called a Wayne Township alumnus. This is a very special group to be a member of and one that brings a pride like no other. You are here today because you have chosen a unique pathway to completing this phase of your education. A pathway that some

3 would consider untraditional. Somewhere along your pathway, and we will hear examples of this in a few minutes, you were diverted off the road more traveled onto this road less traveled. However, even with your detour, you have arrived at this destination point in your journey. For some of you, this is where your learning trip ends. And for others, this is simply a hurdle you have cleared on the way to the next opportunity. While your past experiences have prepared you well for what lies ahead, they can never be changed, modified, relived, or erased. However, the remainder of today, and all of your tomorrows, have yet to be written. Recently, I was asked to calculate the number of days I have left using a general formula in a book called The Five Book.

4 I was very surprised to learn I have fewer days in front of me than I do behind me, statistically speaking. However, we never know what our future will bring and what circumstances will influence that. The activity was called Every Day Matters: live every day as if it s your last because one day you ll be right. This message is not meant to be morbid or depressing. In fact, it is a message of inspiration and opportunity. As you think about all of the tomorrows you have in front of you, think about the following: 1. Life is too short to be cranky. Attitude is a choice. You get to decide. 2. Keep your word. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Look the world straight in the eye. 3. Forgive everyone, especially yourself. Let go of past hurts. 4. Move forward. Yesterday is a cancelled check. The past is not your potential. There are far better things ahead than any you leave behind.

5 5. Quit worrying. It s estimated that 99 out of 100 things we worry about never come to pass. Do you remember what you worried about six months or a year ago? How many of those worries came to pass? 6. Be grateful. Stop and view your life through the eyes of the other six billion people on earth. And finally 7. It s the little things. Thinking small is an art the art of living. The happiness of life is made up of little things a smile, a helping hand, a caring heart, a word of praise, a moment of shared laughter. We are most alive in those moments. Savor them all. It is my sincere hope that as you begin your next chapter and reflect back on your experience here, you will forever be reminded of the people in the Adult Education program who significantly contributed to the greatness that you will achieve, Greatness an interesting term and one that is not easily achieved. However, 45 years ago, a young man aspired to achieve greatness.

6 42 years ago, that man joined the Wayne family and began to transform how children at Ben Davis High School would be educated. During those 42 years, he oversaw and expanded opportunities for adults to learn and earn a, then, GED, and now High School Equivelancy Diploma. His efforts developed the most successful Adult Education program in Indiana. Also during those 42 years, he transformed what was known as shop into a highly rigorous and comprehensive Career and Technical Education program. A program serving 11 school districts in 41 different areas, all with industry certifications or credentials and all offering college credit. During those 42 years he has become a leader even more he is the Godfather of CTE in Indiana. A man who is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A man who has recently analyzed the impact he has made with his yesterdays and the opportunities he has with his tomorrows resulting in the decision to retire at the end of this month.

7 An incredible champion for learning. Please join me in saying thank you to Mr. Ron Hoke!! Congratulations graduates on a job well done.