Youth News and Events

School staffers prepare to present awards to 26 students

Twenty-six students of the Beaver Island Lighthouse School were honored at the Completion/Graduation Ceremony on May 15, 2008 in Charlevoix. Family and friends packed the room as Ken Roehling, Education Specialist, made the introductions.

Chet Janik, Superintendent Charlevoix Public Schools

Chet Janik, Superintendent of Charlevoix Public Schools welcomed those in attendance and congratulated the students. Mary Rose Farrington, Youth Services Coordinator, introduced Mindy Buell, Director of Michael's Place, as the keynote speaker. Buell provided an inspiring talk and motivational examples of those who overcame many barriers to achieve greatness.

The Beaver Island School and mainland staff presented student awards, including diplomas to eight students who fulfilled graduation requirements and earned their high school diplomas. The audience erupted in cheers.

Mary Rose Farrington, Youth Services Coordinator

"This day represents the awesome accomplishments of these young adults. To pursue their education in the face of sometimes very ominous barriers speaks to their character," stated Farrington.

Two students, Sarah Blanchard and Ryan Cicchelli, were recognized as Valedictorians. Sarah also was the recipient, along with Ashley Gasco, of a scholarship to attend an upcoming writer's conference where both are expected to have some of their works published as a result of their participation at the conference.

At the ceremony, one student commented on how he was looking forward to next year when he would be wearing the cap and gown.

"The impact this program is having on young lives is phenomenal. I believe that the residential nature of the program enables that impact to reach far beyond the classroom. We see amazing transformations from the beginning of the semester to the end of the semester," Farrington said.

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