by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright
A graduation message:
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you as we honor this outstanding group of students. Graduates, in order to be at this ceremony, you have demonstrated all of the necessary skills to achieve your individual academic success. Soccer great Pele said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing, or learning to do.”
As students, not only have you shown success in the classroom, but also in co-curriculars and athletics. You have proven once again that to underestimate a Pointer can be a dangerous thing. You are state champion musicians, speakers, and athletes. You will be competing Nationally in FFA, Skills USA, and FBLA events. Many seniors were involved with the beginning of the media class. You have helped it grow into a widely recognized program with the development of MPTV. You have made connections that will help open doors and provide opportunities for yourself and for the other students that follow you.
Has it always been easy? Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps explained your journey this way. “There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there will be no limits.” You have proven that there are no limits to what you can accomplish.
Never forget that you are a Pointer! There will be challenges that you will have to face. Some of you have already overcome obstacles that no 17 or 18 year-old should ever have to face. You continued to move forward. Someone once said, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Author Maya Angelou may have described this class better when she said, “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” This is true for all of you.
You did not conquer these events, these setbacks, on your own. You had help at every step. If you take a moment and think, your parents, friends, and family members have been your biggest supporters. They have given you what you needed when you needed it the most. A former US President once said, “Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important.”
You will soon pick up your diplomas and be ready for the next phase in your life. Never forget the lessons you have learned along the way. Never forget that you have been creating the biggest support network that anyone would hope for. You can see that network all around you here tonight. And, do not be afraid to give your parents a hug. It is a small gesture to say thank you for helping you get to this time in your life.
Congratulations as you join an exclusive group of Mineral Point graduates. Best wishes!