By By NORMA LERNER / Edwardsburg Argus
EDWARDSBURG – "To the graduates, you are to be proud. This is the day to look forward to the future. A day to remember your accomplishments in the last four years … to remember your classmates … teachers … and most of all your parents. Each of us share a special bond."
These were opening remarks by Edwardsburg High School Principal Donald Quimby Sunday afternoon when he addressed 155 graduating seniors at commencement exercises. About 2,000 people attended at the high school gymnasium.
Quimby read from a poem titled, "I Will Do More." It read, "I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will do more than go on. I will participate. I will do more than care. I will help. I will do more than dream. I will do more than teach. I will inspire. I will do more than give. I will serve. I will do more than talk. I will ask. I will do good for some thing."
He told the class to go to the future with confidence and enthusiasm. "On behalf of the staff of Edwardsburg High School, we wish you the best, happiness, satisfaction and success."
Class salutatorian Rachel Baylor addressed the class saying, "Most important things are our perseverance. We are all here. You are reaching for a goal, college, a career. We will find a purpose in our lives and fulfill it. I want to thank you, all the parents and teachers for being here and believing in us. Without them, our class of 2008 would not be here today."
Class valedictorian Nicholas Brown told his fellow seniors, "We appreciate our teachers and parents. It's up to us to use that advice and to change our lives for the better."
Brown talked of precious moments like getting an "A," going to a homecoming football game, being there for a friend. "I am sure everyone of us have teachers that were a great help." He thanked special teacher Rob Wright for being there and helping and to his family for the support he received.
He brought laughter when he told of going over his speech 12 times about John F Kennedy and how his mother commented, "not again." He thanked his father and brothers for their help and for being there for him. Often times they would say, "go ask your mother."
He told his classmates to keep a high standard in their lives. "An Edwardsburg education symbolizes our high school careers. We are all parting ways. The one thing in common is that everyone of us will always be an Edwardsburg Eddie."
Superintendent Sherman Ostrander introduced speaker 79th District State Rep. John Proos who said the valedictorian and salutatorian did an "excellent job." He said he remembers many families who served our nation around the world and in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"As we fight to maintain those promises of peace today, Memorial Day is to reflect, to remember and to thank those men and women who gave so much. They sacrificed in each case. We thank all the men and women who served in our military. Thank you. We are free today. We are only free because of those who served.
"What an exciting time for you and your family. I want to thank each of you for being here. You received lots of advice along the way. As you reflect on these words from your parents, grandparents and friends, you know why those words mean so much. Cherish these words and then pass them along.
"To each of you, leave in this world a better place than when you arrived." Savor today and say thank you. Be proud of this community. The southwest community is the best place to grow up. Congratulations. God's speed in your personal services."
Board of Education President Birdella Holdread presented diplomas to seniors who were congratulated by Ostrander.
Evie Tafunai, class president, led the turning of the tassels. She said, "As this journey comes to an end, to my parents and sisters without I would be nothing. Thank you amazing educators. You gave me pride. To the class of 2008, our friendships will last a lifetime."
The processional and recessional were led by band director Thomas Crowner.
A choir selection, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was led by director Gretchen Thompson.
Ushers were Lauren Clark and Jared Hanstra from the class of 2009.