Thursday, May 17, 2012

Time to celebrate

On Monday, April 23, 2012, our school district saw SNOW: windswept squalls and quite a bit of accumulation at such a late date supports the notion that some things cannot be legislated, managed, or controlled by mankind. Human nature compels us to gain power over the events around us. If we can’t control our environment, we like to complain about it (hence our lengthy discussions about the weather). I was sorry about the need to call our first snow day in April, but I was also oddly comforted to see that being “up the mountain” still meant living in extreme and unpredictable conditions.

I believe that everyone should be “fussy” at some point in life. Let me explain: CCSD’s seniors have spent 13 years figuring out what they want for themselves and where they want to go. They’ve taken every possible action to reach their goals. When making important career decisions they should not settle for “whatever” but be fussy and selective as these decisions will surely define who they are and who they will become. (This is a clue as to what I plan to speak about during the graduation ceremony.) Now they are ready to take responsibility for their choices and make their dreams come true. As their families and friends, let’s remind them that they don’t face the bright but uncertain future alone; the people they love will be beside them always.

Choosing a direction is the hardest part. As we make life choices, many variables—some, like the weather, are beyond our control—affect our direction in life. Nevertheless, as we react to various challenges, we are the ultimate controllers of our own destinies. We get the credit (or the blame) for the outcomes of our choices.

Congratulations to all seniors graduating this year, and to parents, relatives, friends, and anyone else who has offered encouragement, patience and a listening ear. As you leave our district, remember to be a “fussy” alumnus in life.

Good luck, seniors!

As we rapidly approach the end of the school year, the teacher in me is compelled to remind students that summer is no time to forget the values, morals and education that have kept them safe and happy throughout their lives. Make smart choices in the friends you hang out with, the social events you attend, and even they ways in which you network on the Internet and social media sites. Please have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing summer.

Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to all students, staff, parents and Board members for making this an excellent school year for Central Cambria!


Enjoy your summer! Dr. D.