Four graduate from Clare-Gladwin Area School

Donned in their caps and gowns, Jonathan Barager, Zachariah Braley, Melissa McBride, and Jacob Shrock represented the Clare-Gladwin Area School’s class of 2013 during the school’s graduation ceremony earlier this month. With the, “Pomp and Circumstance,” melody playing in the background, the graduates entered the Area School gym where they were met by their classmates, teachers, family, and friends to celebrate the milestone.

Following the processional, the audience enjoyed singing and dancing performances by each Area School class to tunes including The Beatles’, “All We Need is Love,” Dierks Bentley’s, “Home,” and more.

Between performances, Clare-Gladwin Area School Principal Mike Simon shared school-year highlights such as the students’ fundraising efforts for community organizations, and the 62 students who were recognized throughout the year for their outstanding work habits, good behavior, and positive attitudes. He also expressed his gratitude to the local businesses that have partnered with the school to help students gain work experience.     

                                                     

“The graduation program is a wonderful showcase of the hard work and success of the Area School’s students and staff,” said Simon. “I’m very proud of their efforts toward making this year’s program the best it could be and I’m moved by the number of people who attended the program to support and encourage our school.”

At the conclusion of the program, Simon and Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler presented Certificates of Completion to the 2013 graduates. Keeping with tradition, Simon read words of reflection written by each student and their parents.

“The job everyone has done in caring and helping Zachariah is certainly commendable and we want to thank everyone involved in making our experience a most positive one,” said Braley’s father, Rob. “Respect, love, and great care should be afforded to each and every one of us, no matter what our abilities or disabilities are and we are proud to state that all personnel at the RESD greatly exceeded our expectations.”

Barager’s mother, Laurie, wrote a speech on his behalf and explained how for all the years Barager has attended the Area School, many changes have taken place, including staff, students, and bus drivers. “But with all the changes,” she continued, “the important things have stayed the same; the dedication, care, compassion, and respect of all those responsible to provide a safe, healthy, and happy learning environment for all of the students. My time here has been wonderful. I will miss you all and I thank you all.”

For more information on the Clare-Gladwin Area School and the Clare-Gladwin RESD, please visit www.cgresd.net.