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School Newsletters
REFLECTIONS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Monday, June 25, 2007
IT HAS BEEN A WHILE…since I wrote a Reflections piece. I admit I missed the month of May. Looking back, the entire month seems like a blur. For a high school principal, it is always a whirlwind month. There is lots of action in the schoolhouse, most of it good, some not so good.
For our seniors, it was a month of mixed emotions. While most seniors tell you they “can’t wait to get out of here,” other signs tell me different. Many of our seniors say one thing, but often times feel something very different.
As a staff, we tried to keep everyone focused on school. For the academically successful students, it is always a challenge keeping them focused and being sure that they keep giving a great effort in the classroom. This is easier said than done.
For those less focused, or giving less than a great effort, failing required classes for graduation is often a reality. That means lots of emotion on the part of parents and students when the reality hits that they will not graduate. The final reality is tough to swallow despite all the warnings. We spent a great deal of time working both students and parents through this process. It takes lots of patience and a tough skin on the part of the teacher, counselors and principals.
There is also a great deal of “good” going on in the school house. There are so many feel-good stories that I get to witness as the principal. Sure, I am referring to seeing all the great kids who have worked so hard at awards night. This year, we honored over 130 seniors who had earned all kinds of awards and scholarships. We also have various other award programs that I got to attend where high achieving kids are honored.
There are also many other stories in the schoolhouse that are equally rewarding and inspirational that not many people get to witness. For example there are some seniors who our principals saw more than their wives during sophomore and junior years and, as seniors, never had to be called to the office for any reason. Why? Because they turned their life around!
And there are many seniors who graduated in spite of some of the actions of their parents. Coming from a two parent, loving, caring and supportive family structure is, unfortunately, just a dream or what other kids talk about. These kids needed a great deal of support and encouragement from adults at school to make it through. Those are also the kids that remind us who work in the schoolhouse that we have a large mission and purpose when working with our young people.
And finally, there is a great feeling when you see young people who are respectful and decent working hard in their classes and only getting C’s and B’s, but you just know they will be productive adults.
So the month of May is very rewarding for all of us. Our graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. It was another beautiful and dignified event. Our kids behaved just great. It was a very positive, emotional event for many of our kids. I was proud of every single one of them.
I have also attached my graduation comments to the class at the end of these Reflections. I think there is a very real message for everyone. I hope you enjoy it and it provides some food for thought for you and your students.
I hope you have a great, safe summer. If you have any thoughts (good or bad) or suggestions for next year about these Reflections, be sure to contact me at school (423-7123), or email gus.mancuso@wrps.org.
Until next time . . . . . . Happy Trails,
Gus Mancuso, Principal
Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School
GRADUATION SPEECH
JUNE 3, 2007
For our seniors, today’s graduation celebrates the end of the first 13 years of school. It also marks three important changes for them.
One…much more freedom
Two…much more control over choices. These choices will control their destiny and have greater impact.
Separation - There will be increased separation from loved ones, friends, and the lhs staff.
Regarding separation, we have already experienced the emotional pain of final separation in the loss of Megan Fuller. For many seniors, that was a first time experience of losing a friend. For others, it was a reminder of lost loved ones. We miss all loved ones today, including Megan, and wish they could be here.
Regardless of the next step, whether it be college, work, the military or just finding yourself, there will be a number of sights and sounds, created by parents, loved ones and the schoolhouse that will no longer be there.
You will know immediately that you are not living at home, or at school, when you realize no one telling you:
• To get out bed
• To get into bed
• To get home on time
• To get home earlier
• To turn off the television
• To get off the computer
• To turn off that god-forsaken music
• To quit picking your nose
• To wipe your nose, but not on your sleeve
• To shake with a firm grip
• To help with the dishes
• To clean your room
• To wipe your hands, but not on your clean shirt
• To stand up straight
• To sit down
• To settle down
• To grow up
• To kiss your mother good bye
• To go ask your father
• To be careful
• To say thank you
• To get to class on time
• To do your homework
• To work harder
• To stop talking
• To see me after school
• To make the right choice at the right time
• Why? Because i said so.
See what you are going to miss?
You will miss people hounding you because they care. For awhile, no one will look familiar. To college instructors and professors, you will be just another face in the crowd. You will drink from their well of knowledge, but no one will force you to.
Never again will anyone remind you to do your homework, issue you a detention or really push you to succeed in the classroom.
If you want to, you can party all weekend, eat cold pizza every morning, and do whatever you want. It is your life. Waste it only if you dare.
You are ready to jump into the deep end of the pool of life. There will be new friends and faces who will challenge your thoughts and beliefs, ask you do things they want to do and believe what they believe. They might urge you to live for the moment, and not worry about tomorrow.
You will be faced with new decisions and more choices. If you must choose between what mom, dad, a grandparent, a favorite adult or respected teacher/coach told you is right and wrong, and what your friends want you to do or believe, my money is with the values you learned right here in Wisconsin Rapids, surrounded by loved ones and role models here at Lincoln High School. Trust your gut and do what is right.
Some of you have been more blessed than others in terms of resources, support and loved ones. However, let no senior believe or feel they can not achieve their dreams, goals and hope for a better life.
The past is the past. You can not change it, but you can learn from it. Take away the good things from the past, but do not focus on the negatives. Control the things you can control. Create a plan to achieve your goals and dreams. They will come true through hard work, wise choices and controlling your attitude.
Our highest honors students told us that although our futures remain a mystery, there is hope within all of us. We must maintain hope in all that we do. Each senior has the potential to make a positive impact in the world.
The time spent here at LHS has helped you move one step closer to your dreams, goals and aspirations. I have been proud to be your principal. Congratulations on your graduation, best of luck and god speed always.
And now, Mrs. Hett, I present to you the Lincoln high school class of 2007. Dressed in their red and white, they have met the requirements of a Lincoln High School diploma and deserved to be called LHS graduates.
© Copyright Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
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