GCCSAE and GED Program Hold Graduation

BESSEMER, MI - Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - Family & friends gathered together on a beautiful spring evening May 29th at the St. Sebastian School gymnasium for the 2009 Graduation Ceremony of the Gogebic County Community Schools Alternative Education and GED program. Eight students received their high school diplomas from Ironwood Area School Board President Steve Thomas and IAH Superintendent James Rayner. In addition twenty one students received their G.E.D. Certificates.

The class motto a Chinese proverb, is "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials".

In lieu of a guest speaker Lori Struwe the GCCSP Coordinator showed a power point presentation of the graduates along with the reading of the Dr. Seuss classic "Oh the Places You'll Go" which was seemed entirely fitting.

Each graduate then made some remarks which was a nice touch and then in a very touching moment they each made a special presentation of a single white rose to someone in the audience who was of special importance to them.

Student awards were presented by Lisa Tervonen, GCCSP Teacher and then the new graduates walked up to receive their high school diplomas from Steve Thomas, Ironwood Area School Board President and James Rayner, IAS Superintendent.

A reception was held after the recessional for all graduates and their guests.

With the Class of 2009, 738 students have received their diplomas through the Gogebic Community School Adult and Alternative High School Completion Program.

Ken Jacobson