Richard McKenna recognizes students of the Class of 2009

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bob Roberts presents a diploma to one of 17 McKenna graduates last Saturday.

The Church of Nazarene played host to the commencement ceremony for the 2009 graduating class of Richard McKenna Charter High School last Saturday.

In total, 17 students were on stage with founder Larry Slade, chairman of the school's board of directors Bob Roberts, who served as the ceremony's guest speaker, and the entire McKenna faculty.

When asked to be guest speaker, Roberts wondered if he should talk about cooperation, respect or the value of education, but instead on a subject he is the most familiar, fixing clocks.

Roberts proceeded to tell a unique story of a clock shop, a shop that is run by the staff of Richard McKenna. Roberts explained what each teacher would do in reference to fixing a clock and compared that to what they do as teachers.

"The clocks are obviously the students, students who got an opportunity to attend one of the newest schools in the state of Idaho," said Roberts.

Roberts was referring to the school's new facility that opened back in January, a 15,000-square-foot, $2 million project that was first developed back in 2006.

In closing, Roberts challenged the students to continue on with their education," so that you will be able to sit in front of that the desk that the broken clock is sitting on."

McKenna teacher Todd Thorn served as master of ceremonies for this year's graduation.

"Today is a significant day, a rite of passage for these 17 young individuals. The commencement that these students earned the right to partake in is a time-honored ceremony recognizing their achievements," said Thorn.

Thorn recognized the students' achievements that they made during the 2008-09 school year, achievements that included the students accumulating 500 hours of community service and over 100 hours of maintenance work and flower planting at Legacy Park.

Thorn recognized the scholarship recipients for the 2008-09 school year. Scholarships totalling $2,000 were awarded to graduate Camilla Sandoval and graduates Genevieve Shields and Gretchen Perkins.

Later Thorn introduced the graduation speakers. In total, seven students and a surprise speaker, Adrian Arevalo, spoke on their thoughts on the 2008-09 school year at McKenna.

Keyra Cheney opened her speech by talking about what it would feel like to stand in front of a full audience as a '09 graduate.

"I stand here looking into the eyes of those, who I am sure have shared the same thoughts, and have endured the same obstacles that I have. I can't help but to think that this is the end of a short journey, leading on to something so much more."

Cheney talked about her time at McKenna and what she was taught from her teachers in the process.

"They helped me learn some things that will stay with me for the rest of my life, like respecting yourself, and learning how to respect others."

Cheney took time to show her appreciation for the entire faculty of Richard McKenna Charter High School and how they helped to inspire her during her tenure.

"Richard McKenna Charter High School graduates, cherish this moment for your whole life. Don't think this is the end, this is only the beginning of a better future," said Cheney closing her speech.

Anthony Erwin opened his speech by talking about how, when he began to write his speech, he was unsure of what he was going to write -- whether giving advice to the undergraduates, thanking those who helped him graduate or jokingly talk about his illustrious personality.

"I realized that graduation isn't about looking at yourself today compared to yesterday, but compared to a year ago, two years, five years even thirteen years and realizing how much you've grown."

Erwin thanked his family, the staff of Richard McKenna past and present and those who stood in his way telling him he wasn't good enough.

"If they hadn't put obstacles for me to get past I wouldn't have grown as much as I did."

Erwin closed his speech by providing advice to the undergraduates.

"Do not let your last years of high school just slip by. Seize them and squeeze more out of them then every year before. Grow, learn and mature."

Shonda LaLanne began her speech by reciting a quote from Dr. Seuss: "You have brains in your head. You have your feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know. You are the guy who will decide where to go."

LaLanne spoke on how excited she is to see how her life and her fellow graduates' lives will turn out.

"High School is a time for preparation and memories. I will never forget my first day at Richard McKenna and I will never forget my time spent here."

LaLanne closed her speech by congraulating her fellow classmates and thanking her family, friends and McKenna staff. "I am eternally grateful for all of your love and support."

Sabrina Peterson opened her speech by giving advice to her fellow graduates.

"As soon as we leave this building we will leave one situation and enter another one that is more challenging. As a fellow graduate, I challenge you to do your best in life, whatever you want to do. Whatever ambitions you embrace, just give it all you have."

Peterson recited a quote from Thomas Edison: "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

Based on this quote, Peterson said, "Yes, you might lose faith along the way; you might lose your enthusiasm, but you have to keep on pushing forward no matter what the obstacles are."

Mark Weed opened his speech on his 12 years of school officially coming to close and the help the graduates received from their parents, friends and teachers.

"Sure it hasn't been easy and it's not always fun, but now you have the knowledge that because of what you contributed to your child's life they are equipped to go out into the crazy world and succeed."

Weed then spoke about his views of Richard McKenna Charter High School.

"This school is not just about getting your credits to graduate, although it is a very important step in life. The school is designed to teach us how to learn for ourselves and not have to be spoon-fed information our entire lives without giving back."

In closing, Weed said, "I will always remember this place and all that it has done for me. I hope that this school is around a very long time to help many generations of students through this most important first step they will ever take."

Kayla Woodin opened her speech by talking about how her time in high school has flown by quickly, words that were told to her by her parents and how at the time she didn't believe a word they said.

"That was three years of mistakes made, a heart to be broken and many hearts to break, many laughs and tears, best friends to meet and friends to lose, and great times spent with family."

Woodin spoke about her time at Richard McKenna and how in her words it was a "completely different atmosphere."

"I had the encouragement I needed to actually work for what I wanted because there were teachers that love their job and it shows every day."

Woodin then issued thanks to several individuals, including her parents, her little brother Storm, her best friend Casey Stevens and members of the Richard McKenna faculty.

"We're all different, every last one of us," she said. "Some of us will become doctors, lawyers, graphic designers or artists, or maybe even singers or actors, but today we are graduates."

Following the student speeches, the ceremony came to a close with the presentation of diplomas to each student by Roberts. The presentation was immediately followed by Thorn's announcement of the 2009 class.

For more photos see the Mountain Home News Photo Gallery

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  • If you had a graduate on Saturday, congratulations! We had the honor of being there and seeing our children and their friends take part in a time honored tradition and ceremony. Their right of passage.

    I am glad to see the local paper shed some light on Richard McKenna. It is no longer just "the alternate school in town". This school is a personal responsible choice students make! It is strict and they are held to a higher standard than the "school across the tracks".

    This school is a positive influence on students!

    I must say the absolute best speech was by Sabrina Peterson. I know her personally and her speech moved me to tears. She is an amazing young lady!

    Congratulations to all 17 of you for the choices you made and for following them thru to the end, even when it was hard. You made it! Class of 2009!

    -- Posted by SoThisIsSmallville on Wed, May 27, 2009, at 4:05 PM
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