Three graduate at Pied Piper commencement ceremony
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ALPENA -- In its first commencement ceremony since 2019, Pied Piper school issued diplomas to Ryan Gawne, Murphy Drury, and Angelia Brown at the school's gymnasium Friday. Gawne and Drury completed school in 2020, but were unable to participate in a ceremony due to COVID restrictions.
"These are students I have seen at other events, and they asked me 'when do we get to graduate?' and I did not want to continue to postpone," Principal Larry Johns said. "I talked to staff and administration and we decided yeah, let's do this now for them because they've waited so long."
Attendees were welcomed by Johns, followed by the presentation of the graduates. Speeches were given by Scott Reynolds, Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District superintendent and Mary Zann, AMA ESD director of special education.
Reynolds congratulated Gawne, Drury and Brown, and thanked their families, Pied Piper staff, and the community.
"Being here today speaks to the importance of relationships made between students, staff, families and community," Reynolds said.
Zann congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and praised their resilience.
"A short time ago our world was turned upside down and our graduates and their families persevered through a global pandemic that impacted our school, students, staff and our community," Zann said. "Our Pied Piper staff and students were resilient and adjusted to many changes and continued to grow and learn. Well done. Hold your head high and be proud of the hard work which you have accomplished here, because we are proud of you."
Diplomas were presented by teachers Janis Sahr and Lauren Grulke.
"What the pandemic showed us all at pied Piper school is that these graduates and all the students at Pied Piper are resilient, determined and brave. Ryan, Angelina, and Murphy were not able to finish out their school year in a normal way," Grulke said.
Sahr echoed the words of a beloved literary figure in praising the graduates.
"We congratulate Ryan, Angelina and Murphy and all their families on their success and achievements." Sahr said. "In the words of Christopher Robin, promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know."
Following the ceremony, a reception for the graduates was held in the gym.