The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher
The first year is over for the West Central School District and Junior High students have completed their first promotional exercises Thursday, May 18, 2006.
"It has been a difficult year, but we went past all that," said Luci Lox, 8th grade West Central Student Council Vice President...."It's wonderful to be part of such an awesome class!"
Wade O'Neal lead the packed crowd at the South Campus gymnasium in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.
Memories of the "awesome" first year together were given by Shelby Crawford and Jessie Sams.
The class who hardly talked ended up to be just the opposite, but they were also referred to as "the good class."
Sams and Crawford said they enjoyed the party given for their hard work on the ISAT test, their sports accomplishments, their football team 3-5, baseball winning Regional, the girls volleyball team winning the Sand Valley Tournament, and bringing home 13 state medals in track. The year was also full with speech, scholastic bowl, plays, Christmas and spring concerts.
They came together as rivals but are graduating as friends. "Classmates, we did it!" Jessie concluded.
The 8th grade band members Erin Bavery, Logan Brueck, Shelby Crawford, Jimmy Jacob, Mike Lewis, Curtis McCollum, Wade O'Neal, and Andy Schisler-Davis played "Simple Gifts" followed by 8th grade chorus members: Erin Bavery, Logan Brueck, Shelby Crawford, Jimmy Jacob, Jacob Louck, Sebeth Magner, Heather McBride, Jessica McGraw, Wade O'Neal, Andy Schisler-Davis and Paige Spiker singing "Remember Me."
Principal Jeff Nichols, thoroughly enjoyed his job working with West Central teachers and students. He recognized top students with straight A's: Shelby Crawford, Kellen Fryrear, Erin Bavery, and Luci Lox.
Perfect Attendance recognition was given to: James Jacob, Cassie Mallory and Richard Spiker.
Superintendent Mr. Ralph Grimm told the 83 graduates
There was a time when eight years of formal education was it. But that is not true anymore, and that is a good thing. ...
"Tonight is a milestone, but there is still more to do.....As to where you are going:
"Your future is unlimited. You can be whatever you want to be, and you can do what ever it is that you want to do, but first you must think about it and plan for it. If you can do that over the course of the next few months, you'll get the most out of your high school career.
"Your sucess over the course of the next four years and beyond will increase significantly.
Superintendent Grimm's words of advice as they face high school is:
"First, remember that life is about choices and consequences. It is really that simple. You are what you are based on the choices that you make. You know what is expected of you..... In the end, whether you succeed or fail in high school or beyond will depend upon the choices you make. And I ask you to always make the right choice. And I believe you all know what the right choice will be.
"Second, Accept responsibility for the choices that you make. You will make literally thousands of choices over the next 4 years. You and you alone will accept responsibility for those choices you make. But remember this, every choice that you make, the consequences that come with that affect not just you, but others who are close to you as well. Make good choices from the 1st day of high school and you will be successful.
"Third. Make the most of the opportunities that are in front of you.
You will have access to a variety of programs, educational opportunities, and life opportunities as you go thru the next 4 years of your schooling. The rewards that you will reap as a result of going to high school are directly related of whether or not you take advantage of what is available to you. Don't be afraid to try something new and takes some risks along the way.
"Finally, I want to encourage each of you to say thank you to your parents and your teachers. For their hard work helped you get to this point.
"I want to extend my thanks to these people for their hard work and their patience for helping you get to where you are at this moment.
"None of us are truly sucessful on our own..... bu depend on the help of many many others."
"In closing, I want to say thank you to each of you for all that you did to make this first year at West Central Junior High School a success. You have blended two cultures into one and laid the ground work for continued success at West Central Junior High."
Brad Arnold of the West Central School Board, and Mr. William Allaman, Vice President of the board, presented promotional certificates to each graduate.
Mrs. Barb Gray played the Processional and Recessional. A receiving line was formed outside the West Central doors on this beautiful spring evening.
Shelby Crawford from the south and Jessie Sams from the north told memories of an awesome first year together at West Central.