The end of the school year is always emotional, and this particular school year’s end along the path around the Falls carries more significance than the 36 others I brought to a close as a school superintendent.
Sunday was a great day for a graduation.
“We came together as strangers, but leave as eternal friends.” The class motto always says something about the class. For some, the coming together was at kindergarten. For others it was sixth grade at Washington Middle School. For others it was ninth grade at Oconto Falls High School. Still others were sprinkled in somewhere else along the way.
That motto applies in a much broader sense. Many of the parents of the class of 2015 came together for the first time at kindergarten orientation or at one of the hundreds of other times they needed to come together because of the fact they had a child in this class.
A number of these seniors are the children of our teachers. The teachers were strangers when they were hired, but now are counted as key members of our team and will always be eternal friends, both to each other and to the hundreds of students whose lives they touched.
At Sunday’s graduation, I extended congratulations to grandparents and told them each must have a warm spot in their heart for the member of the class sitting up in front.
There were a few great-grandparents. Gloria Blazer has been to six Oconto Falls graduations for her own children and to 18 Oconto Falls graduations for her grandchildren. Sunday she was there to see her first great-grandchild, OFHS grad Holly Virtues, walk across this stage.
I told the first-time visitors, “We know you are joining us as strangers, but we hope you leave feeling like you made a few new friends.”
This class is the most tested class we have ever sent out the door. Testing has been pushed to the extreme in Wisconsin and many other states. Any youngster preparing a prize steer for the county fair can tell you that a steer doesn’t get any heavier just because you weigh it more often.
Testing programs focus primarily on the three R’s, reading, writing and ‘rithmatic. Truthfully, their test scores give OFHS a reputation for academic excellence.
What counts even more is another set of R’s, respect, resiliency and relationships. The group has high marks in these areas. As the class marched in, their respect for tradition and the importance of this day was evident. That doesn’t always happen at a high school graduations, as noted recently in the media.
Though never measured on a test, resiliency is critical for achieving success in life. How you bounce back from setbacks can make all the difference in the world. The class recently experienced the loss of one of their own, a real test of resiliency.
Relationships have always been important. Each had the opportunity to work with caring teachers having a positive impact on their lives. The relationships with each other helped to make them who they are.
The significance of respect, resiliency and relationships apply in broader settings. Over the years the district earned the respect of its residents and neighboring communities. Time and time again we have heard how well visitors are treated. Good customer relations and a welcoming atmosphere are a priority every day.
The need for resiliency can come unexpectedly with floods, fire or storms. Other times there is more notice, as with turnover of teachers or a change in school district leadership. Different? Yes, but the move will be “Forward,” as Wisconsin’s motto suggests. One has to wonder sometimes if officials in Madison pay much attention to that motto.
Relationships are critical in life. Coming to my interview in Oconto Falls, I knew only two people connected with the district, Jefferson Principal JoAnn Abbs and 4-K teacher Mary Cepak. Since then I have met hundreds of people I consider eternal friends. I have been privileged to have an outstanding ride that soon ends. Thanks to all who were along for all or part of that ride. We may not have gone from crayons to perfume, but accomplished much. The smell of success and great memories is ever so sweet.
In closing, I said to the graduates, “Be strong, do great things and always consider yourself a friend to OFHS. That is how I will think of you and the many wonderful people in this community who make us proud to say we are from Oconto Falls.”
