The Calais School is proud to announce our graduating class of 2017!  High school seniors and 8th graders participated in The Calais School’s 46th commencement ceremony, celebrating their accomplishments and hard work. Students have been preparing for their graduation day for a long time, but Mrs. V, Mrs. Liberato, and Ms. Gemingnani  helped our graduates get ready for the ceremony.

Executive Director David Leitner welcomed the audience, which included proud parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, school board members, and staff, and started the celebration of student achievement. His words were heartfelt and moving:

Every student and family member in this room had to work harder and struggle more than most people who are attending other graduation ceremonies this week. Getting here did NOT come easy. We had to roll up our sleeves… force ourselves to focus when our eyes and minds were cloudy. We had to force ourselves to breathe deeply when it was hard to catch our breath.

We struggled with anxiety, depression and doubt. And despite all the obstacles, you managed to get up, get out, and work hard…. succeeding against the odds.

Principal Dr. Diane Manno shared:

Working with students each day gives us the opportunity to inspire, to make a difference, to impart knowledge, and to assist with the emotional ups and downs felt by students. Just as parents have a responsibility and purpose to love and support their children so do teachers have a responsibility and purpose to educate and support their students. I am proud to be able to work every day with the intelligent and dedicated Calais School staff and our caring and loving Calais parents.

 

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Each senior shared their experiences at The Calais School speeches that moved us, inspired us, and made us laugh. Seniors thanked their family, friends, teachers, and counselors for their support.

Syhmonie C.’s touching speech made the audience laugh and cry. She shared,

The Calais School helped prepare me for the future because they taught me how to open up and express my feelings. I also learned not to be afraid to ask any questions. I also learned how to let people love me.

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Robert S. spoke eloquently about how he felt when he started at The Calais School and how he has changed since then:

When I first started here, I felt very excited and welcomed as I glanced at all the students, I could imagine that I was making new friends. In the four years I’ve been here, I have changed. I have become more responsible and my self-confidence has grown tremendously.

Joy C. talked about her favorite staff members:

Thank you Ms. Mutchler for helping me persevere in becoming better at playing the violin (no matter how many times I messed up and played the wrong note). I saved the best for last and want to thank Ms. Ervey for always making me feel motivated to do my best even when I was at my worst.

Sydney L. had trouble choosing favorites:

The entire staff at The Calais School are very supportive. I cannot say that I have any favorites because I love everyone equally. They are all so wonderful. They all work very hard to make me feel comfortable and help me to succeed. When I first came to The Calais School, all of counselors helped me work through my anxiety which makes them even more special to me.

Congratulations to the class of 2017 and best wishes for a bright and happy future! We wish you joy and success in the years ahead and look forward to seeing many of you during the summer program and in 12 Plus next year!