WORDS FROM THE SUP’T: School year ends on high note for students, staff

In case you were unaware, Clarkston raises the most amazing children.
Each year, Clarkston Community Schools creates a spreadsheet listing our graduates. We ask our teachers and staff to write their memories of each graduate. We then print these off and send them to students in the form of a letter. Here are some examples of these memories:
About McKenzy Woodworth , Mrs. Mahler wrote, “you are my kind of girl! I loved everything you wrote this year. You have incredible talent I hope you never overlook. Keep changing the world for the better!”
McKenzy is an incredibly talented musician. She writes her own music and performed at graduation. She will attend Oakland University and then art school.
About Meghan Forshey , Mrs. Lambouris wrote, “Meghan, you have a passion for music and politics and solving the problems of the world! I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you. I’m certain you will do amazing things! You will always be a part of the Lambouris family. We love you!”
Meghan joined McKenzy in the musical performance at graduation. She will attend Wayne State University to study Public Policy and then attend law school. She plans to become a politician.
Like McKenzy and Meghan, many of our graduates have a strong idea of the path they’d like to pursue. Did you know our graduates go on to various professions, trades, schools, and areas of study? Here are some examples:
* Jake Reed will attend Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids.
* Fillippo Tagliacarne will attend school in the Netherlands where he will study Aerospace Engineering.
* Sheldon Bordeau will attend Thiel College in Pennsylvania and play lacrosse, he’ll study early hildhood education.
* Alex Minuth will enter trade school to become a plumber.
* Sam Need will attend Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
* Riley Rumbold will attend Oakland University to study vocal performance.
* Aalayna Green will attend Green Mountain College in Vermont.
* Alex Matisse will attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Congratulations to each of our 650 graduates from Clarkston High School, Renaissance High School, and our Post High Program. Wherever you go, whatever you do, Clarkston goes with you. Thank you for all you have given to us. Thanks for being kids in Clarkston.
Congratulations also to these CCS Positive Contributors:
* The staff at CHS saw Milo Valascho take his first steps since surgery four years ago at the senior walk. Milo also walked across the stage to receive his diploma. Milo is truly an inspriation.
* CHS junior, Andrew Dimmer is a Business Professional of America National Champion in Business Meeting Management Concepts.
* Alex Gladding is an Academic All-State performer in softball.
* Bailey Lake and CHS Destination Imagination teams won state championships.
* Josh Knotts is the CTE Student of the Year from Oakland Schools.
* CHS’s Students Against Destructive Decisions won first prize in a statewide safe driving campaign. CHS teacher, Trisha Carter , leads this group.
* Bailey Lake Elementary School teacher Meredith Copland is the Oakland County Elementary Teacher of the Year.
* Michael Lewis is the Clarkston Foundation Teacher of the Year.
* CHS Drama Club’s production of Les Miserable received the highest rating for musicals in the state of Michigan;
* Finally, CCS alumni, Brooke Huisman, Class of 2013, graduated from the University of Michigan and will pursue her Ph.D. in Biological Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
(We love hearing from our alumni. If you have an update to share, please email alumni@clarkston.k12.mi.us!)
In other news, the Clarkston For Life community well-being campaign continues. You will be hearing more from us, and from the Clarkston Independence District Library about our summer for book discussions studies on The Happiness Advantage and The Resilience Factor.
On Aug. 23, CCS will host Karen Reivich, who is the author of The Resilience Factor and a national speaker on well-being. Teachers, parents, students, and community members will receive invitations to attend.
As you can see, our students, school system, and community continue to achieve at the highest levels and contribute in remarkably positive ways.
Well done, Clarkston. Well done.
Dr. Rod Rock is superintendent of Clarkston Community Schools

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