The Vinton-Shellsburg Class of 2010 heard an impromptu speech from their principal while preparing for commencement, and then listened to words of advice from Dr. Seuss before receiving their diplomas.
"You are going to go places," said Kirk Johnson. "You are all the best. Thanks for being such a great class."
Johnson spoke for a minute or two in the auditorium as the seniors lined up for their march into the gymnasium at the beginning of the graduation ceremony.
The class motto is "Be who you are and say how you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind," attributed to Dr. Seuss.
The Class of 2010 and the rest of the audience at the Sunday afternoon commencement heard more from Dr. Seuss.
Math teacher Lisa O'Brien was chosen by the seniors to deliver the faculty address. She told the audience the best advice for graduates can be found in Dr. Seuss's book, "Oh the Places You'll Go." Then she read the book.
The book begins very much the same way the principal's speech began.
"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away," wrote Ted Geissel in 1990 in what would be his last book. After finishing the book, O'Brien told the seniors to come back and tell her how well they are doing.
"I'm already proud of you," she said.
Kristin Bramow delivered the senior address, discussing the changes the seniors had experienced and were about to experience.
The VSHS Senior Choir performed "Like and Eagle" and "Letting Go."
Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock, participating in her first graduation ceremony at Vinton-Shellsburg, honored the 17 district employees who are retiring at the end of the year. Those 17 employees have more than 500 years of combined experience in education and 498 years of experience in the V-S district.
One of those retirees is Judy Wood, who was an associate teacher at the elementary level for 31 years.
"I know all these graduates," said Wood as she watched the Class of 2010 arrive.
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