“Life is change. Growth is optional”. These words by singer/songwriter Karen Clark helped launch the Class of 2009 during graduation ceremonies held last Sunday at the Eastman Theatre.
It was a privilege to share this day with our graduates, their families and friends. As superintendent I have had the opportunity to witness the many accomplishments of this amazing class. Their talents cross multiple areas: academics, athletics, art, and music. For example, Webster Thomas Mathletes placed first in the Monroe County Math League; Thomas and Schroeder Science Olympiad teams placed first and second in the regional Science Olympiad, and seniors from both high schools received several regional gold medals in the 2009 National Scholastic Art and Writings Awards Program, two went on to win national gold medals.
The athletic teams of the Class of 2009 distinguished themselves with strong team play resulting in 24 championship titles (Division, League, Sectionals). Some believe success on the playing field isn’t compatible with success in the classroom, but that is not the case in Webster. It is important to highlight that 84% of our athletic teams earned scholar athlete designations this year.
The Webster School District also values good citizenship and community service and our graduates consistently rose to the occasion.
Rotary Interact, student service clubs sponsored by Rotary International, boasts over 250 members who collectively donated more than 3,000 hours of community service. Approximately one third of Webster’s Senior Projects had a community service focus. Many of their projects raised funds and/or awareness for social or health related causes while other seniors wanted to give something back to their school community including the Schroeder student who spearheaded an effort to purchase exercise equipment to be used by classmates with disabilities and the Thomas senior who built a multi-band beam antenna to benefit the school’s Amateur Radio Club.
The talents of the Class of 2009 are as expansive as they are diverse. Together the graduates of Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas High Schools received $8.7 million in scholarship awards. These awards recognize the leadership skills, academic and athletic talents, artistic and music abilities and commitment to community that our graduates have demonstrated throughout their high school careers. It is these qualities that give me confidence that the Class of 2009 is ready to embrace the change that is their future. Congratulations graduates, and to your families for a job well done!
