By Lisa Carolin
If there were a theme for all the speeches at Chelsea High School’s graduation ceremony for the Class of 2018 on Sunday, June 3, it was kindness.
Being kind was talked about as both a priority and a goal by Julie Helber, superintendent of the Chelsea School District, by CHS Principal Mike Kapolka, as well as the students who addressed the audience.
“The virtue of kindness and practicing the Golden Rule should never go out of style,” graduating senior Patrick Bertoni told those in attendance. “I challenge us to practice frequent acts of kindness that become habit forming and routine.”
Helber cited, “the importance of kindness, building relationships, and maintaining a sense of wonder,” as objectives for the graduates.
Kapolka read his version of a letter he would have written to his 18-year-old self.
“Your professional career will be in education,” he read. “It will be the best personal and professional decision in your life.”
Kapolka went on to highlight the accomplishments of the Class of 2018 praising the “globally and culturally conscious students, recognizing the talents of many, and giving credit to the students who ran the “Why You Matter” campaign.
“Build something bigger than your social media profile,” he said. “The way to leave a lasting legacy is to do something outside yourself.”
Graduating senior Jordan Fannin told her classmates, “Some of us will be successful, but failure is good for all of us. It means getting out of your comfort zone. Success comes from standing up each time we fail.”
The CHS Band played “Pomp and Circumstance” and the National Anthem, and the high school’s Chamber Choir performed “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”.
Following the speeches, it was time for the presentation of diplomas.
Perhaps it was Bertoni’s words that stayed with all who were present.
“Carry an attitude of gratitude in everything we do. We are blessed to grow up in Chelsea and attend Chelsea schools. Wherever life takes you, always take a piece of Chelsea in your heart.”
