The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
LISA M. NOARD
gives her Salutatorian Address and GRANT C. VAN TINE gives his
Valedictorian
Address during Union High School's Class of 2002 graduation exercises Sunday
afternoon. Grant accumulated a perfect 4.0 out of 4.0 and thanked the board
for moving graduation in the possibility the boys 4x200 relay team might
be going to state on the previously scheduleded date. Grant, a member of
the relay team, said that is exactly what happened, and he was excited to
be a part of this accomplishment, which hasn't happened for many years at
UHS, he said.
Grant said, "Today is our biggest academic day, and its been a long 13 years," he said, although he felt high school came and went fast.
"I really don't seem old enough to be here, but if they hand a diploma to me, I'm not going to give it back."
Lisa said she asked advice from her classmates on the topic of her speech and she was given many suggestions but they all agreed that she should be short, so she (and Grant) kept them short. Lisa said classmates were so different but forty of us have been together until this point.
"We no longer will have this safe little school to come back to." She thanked parents, teachers, and friends "for helping us get here," and then wished all "good luck" in their future plans.
A Senior Class Ensemble sang "I Will Remember You" and an Ensemble of Faculty and employees sang For Just A Little While:
"We shared a dream Ð what a special time it was. Maybe someday we'll remember this time and we'll smile:for just a little while."
Supt. Dean E. Irlbeck gave a heartfelt welcome and some common sense talk about the things students have learned and are yet to learn, encouraging them to keep bitterness out of their life, and be forgiving. "It's a tough world, but hopefully we've given you some values and you live up to them." He advised them to give themselves pats on the back for doing a good job and encouraged them to have respect for life at all times, and care for others at all times.
"Be prepared for a life of change," he said. As he looked back and talked about a few changes he had witnessed such as out houses and heating our own water, he said, "but still we cared about each other."
Principal Pat Collins read a letter from Mr. Ives . He said they were at a turning point, but it was more than just a ceremony. It was closing a chapter in their life.
"Dream big, set goals and then he left with words of Mother Teresa about Life."
Pat Collins said, "Shape your life. Each of you have a dream. Follow that dream. Be forgivingÐ love overpowers hatred, she reminded.
Main speaker was UHS graduate Jason Dickey who followed his dream and is now an Ill. State Trooper.
He said that with closure opens up entirely new opportunities. He told them to plan for their successes, ask yourself what your vision is and constantly reassess your progress asking, "Am I On track?"
"Make your principles and your core values your compass."
He told them change is constant but easier said than done. "To escape from old thoughts is the hardest, but adaptability is the key to your road map."
Re-evaluate your progress minute by minute and he told them not to focus on their failures, for great men who have succeeded, have failed many more times. Men such as President Lincoln, Henry Ford, Babe Ruth, "but, they never gave up on their dreams."
"You can be sure you will be discouraged along the way, but Trooper Dickey said, "If you can dream it, you can become it.
He then talked about integrity and "doing what's right when no one is looking.
"Life is all about choices and how you make them:: plan for their future."