East Grand confers diplomas

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YOU DID IT! — Shelby Wardwell, left, receives a hug from Ruthie Stewart, a special education teacher at East Grand School, following Thursday’s commencement ceremony.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    DANFORTH — Ten East Grand students were sent off in style Thursday evening during commencement exercises in Danforth.
    Valedictorian Mitchell Bartlett gave a heart-felt speech about what the past years has meant to him and others at East Grand School and how large a role teachers have played in their education.
    “Throughout the years we’ve had many teachers that have helped us get here today, and on behalf of the Class of 2012, I want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and dedication,” Mitchell said. “A lot of the teachers we had, made learning easier by making it fun and interesting. I remember in middle school I learned so much in science and math because of all the games and hands-on activities Mr. Latvis played with us. It made learning worthwhile and kept us from falling asleep. Now, the teachers are helping us, prepare for the future by correcting essay drafts for scholarships and colleges, or just giving us advice and preparing us for our future. Even when they might’ve had to stay a little longer after school to help us out, they have been there, and for that I thank you.”
    He added a tip of the cap also needed to be given to the parents who helped in so many ways.   
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SPEECH — Salutatorian Matthew Plummer delivers his speech Thursday at East Grand High School.
    “In our earlier years when we had projects or had bake sales, or maybe we wanted to go on a trip and we needed some money, you were there for us,” he said. “Without you, school would’ve been 10 times more hectic. It sure helped when our parents had our backs, especially the second half of our senior year, with scholarships, due dates, fundraisers, and other important events being hurled at us. Thank you for all the time you took, preparing and guiding us for our future. Without you, I don’t know where we would be now.”
    Salutatorian Matthew Plummer took a more philosophical approach in his address.
    “The renowned Greek scholar Aristotle once said, ‘The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.’ Plummer said. “For graduating seniors truer words were never spoken. We have endured much these past years, be they bitter, or sweet, all in the name of a goal that we have finally risen to tonight. But, while it is imperative to look at where you are going, it is equally important to stop and in a moment of peace and clarity, look back to see from whence you came.”
    Plummer added he was given the task of writing his class’ history and called it “the hardest thing I have ever had to write.”
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HEARTFELT — Valedictorian Mitchell Bartlett gives an emotional speech at East Grand Thursday evening.
    “Long ago, we began our journey like so many others before us, innocent children ignorant of so much, and yet, aware of all the things that we needed to do, all the things we were expected to do,” he said. “To see what we were like back in those early days, you simply have to look at these people now. I have known most of them for years, and although I can see that they have changed quite a bit, I also see that they have changed very little.”