Ready for what’s next
Crystal NelsonArticle Photos
Four students from Pied Piper Opportunity Center celebrated their graduation surrounded by family, friends and the school's staff and administration Tuesday. Sarah Alsup, Lester DeLong, Gwenyth Nye and John Ryan Witek each listened to remarks from their teachers before receiving their diplomas.
Alsup, DeLong and Nye graduated from the school's senior vocational program and Witek from the senior SCI program.
Principal Sally Buza welcomed family and friends of the graduates and told them of the African proverb it takes the community or a village to raise a child. Buza said the proverb was especially fitting for Pied Piper school.
Vocational MOSI teacher Brett Burke said students often have a difficult time transitioning to life after graduation.
"These four young graduates we have today, I think, have the family support and discipline to see them through this transition and I honestly think they're looking forward to it," he said.
Burke told the those in attendance a little bit about each of the students and said most years it's difficult to say goodbye and this year was no exception.
"One of the unique things of being in a school like Pied Piper is we have an opportunity to have these students several years in a row in the same classroom," he said. "So we develop a little bit more of a unique friendship with not only the students, but their families."
Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Superintendent Brian Wilmot awarded the students with their diplomas before he and Director of Special Education Sue Grulke made the graduation address. Wilmot, a past principal of Pied Piper, shared some of the lessons he learned from students in the past that included "beautiful singing is in the ear in the beholder" which was taught to him by Witek at the school's 2008 Christmas concert.
Grulke said for each of the students it's a time to look back on all of the friends they've made and all of the fun they had. She said the staff will remember Lester who is friendly, helpful and quick to lend a hand, Gwenyth who is funny, good natured and loves to dance, Sarah who is shy, but a hard worker and tries to please others all the time and John Ryan who is a great singer, cooperative and very social.
"It's also time for Lester, Gwenyth, Sarah and John Ryan to leave our school but not our family. Each of you are going to have a place in our hearts and definitely a place to come back to visit," Grulke said.
After graduation, Alsup, DeLong and Nye will work with local agencies like Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health to be placed into jobs. Witek will be living with his family and also will be involved with NEMCMH which will help him attend local events.
After the ceremony, members of the class of 2009 along with their friends and family attended a reception to celebrate their achievements.
Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.
