You may say I’m a dreamer,
But I’m not the only one,
I hope some day you’ll come and join us,
And the world will live as one. ‘JohnLennon
The massive crowd at DTE Energy Music Theater became still as the Clarkston High School choir opened commencement ceremonies on June 1 with ‘Imagine.?
That Wednesday became a very important day for many people. For the graduates, the day symbolizes the beginning of adulthood. For friends and family, the day was about success.
CHS Principal Jan Meagher welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance. Next, student speaker Amanda Leach introduced the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts.
Once the administrators were introduced, members of the Student Class Executive Board reminisced over four years of high school experiences. Memories included athletic successes, receiving driver’s licenses, the fear as a freshman and the power as a senior.
‘Sophomore year was about change,? said student board member Kevin Douglas. ‘It was the year of freedom and driving cars.?
‘Junior year we were under pressure,? said student board member Jung Kwak. ‘I also remember tardies and Saturday school.?
‘I would like to thank everyone for the amazing year,? said student board member Joe Devault.
The guest speaker for the event was Ned Burdick. Burdick, a CHS physics teacher, was chosen to speak by the graduating class.
‘Today is the last night you sit as students of Clarkston High School,? said Burdick. ‘I do not know a secret that will keep you happy, but I do know we are just older versions of you. You are on your way to becoming us.?
The crowd laughed as Burdick found the relationship between adulthood and adolescence, then listened solemnly as he spoke about the reality after graduation.
‘You will be our teachers, our doctors, lawyers and carpet salesman,? said Burdick. ‘Starting tomorrow, life is more serious.
‘Difficult times will pale in comparison to the adventures that lie ahead,? he added.
Before walking away from the podium, Burdick gave the graduates priceless advice: learn to cook, read, schedule leisure time, volunteer, exercise and vote in every election. He then quoted Snoopy, ‘Start each day with a smile on your face and in your heart.?
Student speakers Christopher Kato and Kristine Kilbourne made the crowd laugh and think about the reality of post graduation. Kato and Kilbourne won an essay contest allowing them to speak during commencements.
‘We entered as Cougars and Wolverines four years ago,? said Kato. ‘Now we leave as a group of Wolves.?
The crowd cheered as Kato spoke about their differences as freshman, and their deep connections as seniors. However, Kato does not believe graduation is the end.
‘Everyone always says that this will be the last time we see each other, and I don’t believe that,? Kato said. ‘The true success of a man is not the amount of money he makes, but that he gets up in the morning, goes to bed at night and does what he wants in between.?
‘Time is what we live our lives by. I remember the cold bleachers at games and the rain on homecoming,? said Kilbourne. ‘Laughter is what got me through four years, not a ticking clock.?
Before the graduates formed their lines to walk across the stage, Dr. Roberts spoke a few words.
‘I’m very proud of each and every one of you,? stated Roberts. ‘Whether your roses have thorns or your thorns have roses is up to you. Take your passion along with you.
‘Accept that we will make mistakes, praise is better motivation than criticism and remember to devote your life to something you enjoy,? he concluded..
As the graduates made their way across the stage, many were overcome with emotion.
‘The staff at Clarkston High School never denied any one help,? remembers Trevor Turner.
Commencement concluded with the Madrigal Singers performing ‘A Parting Blessing.?
To the class of 2005, congratulations and good luck!