Schools
Congratulations, Class of 2011!
Yorkville High School hosts commencement ceremonies Sunday in the high school gym.
Yorkville High School teacher Shane Darnell had one final assignment for the Class of 2011.
During his commencement address Sunday, he asked them to find some quiet time soon to think about where they wanted to be in five, 10 and 20 years. Then, he asked them to write down their thoughts about what they will be doing and who they will be on separate sheets of paper and put them in a safe place to read at the appropriate time.
“When that day comes, you’ll be surprised at what is written,” Darnell said.
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Darnell, Superintendent Scott Wakeley and Valedictorian Adam Wyeth shared advice and words of wisdom before school officials presented the graduates with their diplomas.
During the commencement ceremonies in the high school gym, the varsity choir performed I’ve Had the Time of my Life, and Jordan Brosi and Mallory McFee performed the senior song 100 Years.
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Between the musical selections, Wyeth encouraged his fellow graduates to consistently challenge themselves while appreciating what they have.
“In essence, let us enjoy the moments, grow for the future, and always be searching for opportunity,” Wyeth said. “I wish everyone the best of luck.”
Darnell encouraged the Class of 2011 to continuously learn about themselves, to surround themselves with people who share their visions and to keep on dreaming.
“Learn yourself. Learn who you are,” Darnell advised. “Learn that your personal integrity is always in your own hands; it can never be taken from you. Learn to stand for something greater than yourself but educate yourself on what you stand for.”
For his part, Wakeley referenced Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture and reminded students that obstacles – brick walls – provide valuable experience.
“They are there to show how bad we want something,” Wakeley said. “… Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you want.”
So, when graduates run up against a brick wall, Wakeley advised they utilized another suggestion from Pausch. He encouraged them to remember what it was like to be a child.
“When things get difficult,” Wakeley said, “smell the crayons.”
