Oh what a night. Picture a balmy evening at Blossom Music Center. The birds were chirping, the smell of teenager in the air. Ahhhh. Congratulations to the class of ’06. Graduation came off without a hitch. Thank you to all the people who put so much time and effort into making it a night to remember for the graduates and their families. I never realized the little things that go on behind the scenes that make it so nice. I am so proud of our kids. Not one misbehaver among them! I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to give a diploma to the few kids I personally know. One mom even called to thank me. (Wiping a tear now).
Several people have questioned why I was the only person on stage not wearing a hood with my gown. No, it was not the administrations way of punishing me. It’s because I am way to cool to wear one. Seriously though, it’s because I am not a college graduate. I know it’s shocking but true. I am a mere vocational school graduate. BUT- I proudly wore my naked gown. My gowns bareness is a testament to the 70% of our kids that will not graduate from college. You can succeed in life and accomplish what some will tell you is impossible. For those who know that college is not an option for whatever reason, please know this- Your life is what you make it. Learn a skill or practice a trade that you enjoy. Make a hobby or interest your job. Don’t think you cannot be successful at something.
I also attended Schnee Learning Center’s graduation. I was brought to tears several times. Eric Mansfield from the Time Warner Akron News was the guest speaker. He said the same thing I said above only he said it better and more. Find a mentor. If you want to be a teacher, talk to a teacher, if you want to grow flowers, start hanging out at a nursery. This is a time in your life when the world is at your fingertips. Develop a strong work ethic and accept the fact that life isn’t easy or fair. You are the person responsible for your circumstances now. You make your life what it will be.
So, I guess to sum this up I will say that while I was a little nervous having to walk out on stage being the only "naked " official, I realized that my lack of college colors spoke to the large percentage of students that needed to see it. I hope they noticed I was proud of the fact that I was standing where I was without a degree hood thingy on and not ashamed of it. Actually I felt sorry for everyone that had to wear one. It was wayyyyyy to hot and the colors seemed to attract the birds.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Kellie,
When I worked at Goodyear and during the 1970's, the CEO was Cuyahoga Falls graduate. He did not have a college degree. He worked his way up through the organization within the sales department. He knew his customers and he knew how to challenge the organization to get the best out of everyone.
He was both demanding of himself and others. He was honest, open, and responsible. He was in touch with world -- as world class traveler and salesman. He spoke fluent Spanish. After his retirement, he was appointed as our ambassador to Mexico.
He started the Cuyahoga Falls School Foundation to help people include our school in their wills and trusts.
I made a number of planning presentations to him and he never told me that I talked over his head.
His name was Chuck Pilliod.
Lou Schott www.tnl3000.com
d,
I researched the information. If you have different info please fill me in.
Post a Comment