Graduation

I had the pleasure of attending the North Central High School graduation on Saturday.  It was a glorious day for an outdoor graduation.  Sunny and cool with a slight breeze.  A huge crowd watched the largest graduating class in NCHS history receive their diplomas.  The speeches by valedictorian Meghan Baytes and 1990 NCHS graduate Jason [...]

“Partners In Education” Award

At last evening’s annual Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony, I was extremely pleased to help present our local Kiwanis Club the Chamber’s “Partners in Education” award in recognition of the club’s “Terrific Kids” program.  We are extremely fortunate to have the strong support of Kiwanis and of all our local civic clubs in our schools.  [...]

Reading…..

For the past several years, I have spent time each week reading with an elementary student.  I do it first thing on Monday morning, which is a great way to start my week.  I got involved in this when a guidance counselor in my previous district “volunteered” me.  What could I say?  It’s turned out [...]

Nursing Graduation

Last night’s Nursing graduation ceremony at ATEC was a wonderful occasion!  What I always enjoy about this particular graduation is that the graduates include both fairly recent high school graduates and adults who have been out in the work world and decided to do something different.  I also enjoy seeing the happiness of the families [...]

North Central Buses

Over night, 25 buses were vandalized in the North Central bus lot.  Tires were slashed and headlights were broken.  Because of this, bus transportation to the North Central area schools was delayed by two hours, although we did open schools in the area on time, so that buses could be brought in from other parts of the [...]

Cosmetology Graduation

It was a privilege for me to be able to share a few thoughts with the ATEC Cosmetology graduates this afternoon, and also assist in awarding their graduation certificates.  The Cosmetology program is a very rigorous one.  To ultimately earn a license from the state, students must pass both a written and practical exam.  I [...]

Proud!

The Camden High School baseball team lost a close one this past Friday evening in the final game of the 3-A state championship series.  As far as I’m concerned, this in no way diminishes the accomplishments of the team.  This is a team that came from behind time and again all year to get to [...]

Adult Education Graduation

There are many events I enjoy in the spring, but the Adult Education graduation is one I particularly enjoy and value.  This very special occasion honors people who have persevered in spite of bumps and difficulties in their lives.  It is a celebration of the accomplishments of these individuals and the people who work so [...]

Out In Elgin….

A great visit out to Elgin today…
At Stover Middle School, I got to see the original stories that were written and illustrated by Cassandra Mickle’s Art students.  The students then read these stories to students who came over from Blaney Elementary School, which is next door.  The Stover kids were extremely proud of their work, [...]

Principal Lisa Carter “up on the roof” for reading!

Blaney Elementary School Principal Lisa Carter is spending the day on her school’s roof as a commitment that she made to her students if they read 25,000 books this year. She will be there until tomorrow morning. Here is where you can see the “Carter Cam” if you want to keep up with her activities [...]