FULTON, NY – In their last act as high school students, members of Fulton’s G. Ray Bodley High School class of 2008 made their way across the stage Saturday to receive diplomas during the annual commencement ceremony.
Several speakers offered words of advise and congratulations to the grads.
“As a school district, this is the single most important day for us,†Superintendent Bill Lynch told the class. “You should be proud of your accomplishments individually and collectively as a class.â€ÂÂ
Lynch said that each of the students was armed with the tools for success as they walk into the next phase of their lives.
“Strive to make a difference not only in your lives but in the lives of others,†he said.
Citing the 10 “Paradoxical Commandments†that were written by Kent M. Keith, Fulton Board of Education president Robbin Griffin read words of advice, including, “People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. … Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.â€ÂÂ
“We are proud of each of you for reaching this milestone,†Griffin said.
Rather than make individual speeches, Valedictorian Kristen Kush and Salutatorian Kaylee Underkofler addressed their class together. Self proclaimed “math geeks,†the two delivered their address in mathematical terms.
“It is not as simple as one and two,†Underkofler said, pointing out that between the two numbers, there is an infinite set of numbers. “Situations may not be good or bad.â€ÂÂ
“Success is just a function,†Kush said. “What you put in is what you get out.â€ÂÂ
She added, “Graduation is not the end of the equation, merely an addition to it.â€ÂÂ
“Graduation is another word for support, another word for choice,†said former assistant principal Tina Winkler.
“Take opportunities that come your way,†Winkler said. “Woulda, coulda, shoulda becomes regrets. … I hope you will make the most of opportunities you‘ve been given.
“Good luck class of 2008,†she added. “God speed and may the wind always be at your back.â€ÂÂ
