Students of excellence recognized at banquet
Posted 5/29/03

³Future focused² is the term used to describe the honorees at the Students of Excellence Banquet and Recognition Ceremony by Dr. Cheri Pierson-Yecke, Minnesota Commissioner of Education. "In order to reach the level of excellence you have achieved so far, you have had to give up short term pleasure for long term results, you have taken the hard courses in order to challenge yourself," she continued. ³This will become a characteristic over time."

Yecke was just one of the speakers at the 16th annual event who praised and encouraged the honorees. This event, hosted by Resource Training and Solutions, recognized 155 high school seniors from 40 high schools in the Central Minnesota region. Welcoming over 600 students, parents/ guardians, teachers, administrators and invited guests was Dr. Rob Cavanna, executive director for Resource Training and Solutions. The event was held at the St. Cloud Civic Center on May 7.

Students honored from Milaca High School included Kelly Doty, May Jackson, Amanda Valo and Susan Valo.

"Life isn't always going to go your way - things are going to go wrong," stated Deadra Stanton, the keynote speaker for the event. She continued with a story about floating down the Apple River with her son, who was then in junior high, and his friends.

"The mere fact that I was considering going along with them was almost more than these boys could take. Then, I am close to drowning during the first half of the trip," Stanton continued. "Finally, my son Nathan comes over and rescues me and says 'You are trying to go down this river like you do through life!' Now, I'm happy about his use of a simile since I'm a language arts teacher but I don't get the connection."

Nathan continued to explain that you use your hands to paddle and your feet to bounce off obstacles. You can't change the course of the river, you go with it. "In other words, no one knows what's ahead you just lay the foundation to be ready, use your resources and forge ahead," Stanton explained.

Bruce Novak, Isle Public School District, who served as the presiding superintendent at the banquet, spoke to the large circle of people gathered at the banquet, all deserving congratulations for the support, encouragement, goal setting and requiring students to put forth their best. "Be humble, be gracious, be proud as you accept this recognition," he told the students.

Jeanette Kester from the Resource Training and Solutions board of directors, extended congratulations to the students and presented the plaques and certificates from the governor to each of the honorees. Criteria for selection to the recognition event is at the discretion of each school but based upon recommended guidelines. Schools can choose two to four seniors and have the option to invite a favorite teacher, coach and administrators. Resource Training and Solutions has been sponsoring, coordinating and fiscally supporting the event since 1987. Sandra Cordie, Director of Educational Programs for the agency, organizes the event.

Yecke concluded her presentation with a quote from Jane Addams:

"Deeds make Habits

Habits make Character

Character makes Destiny"

"You are in charge of your future, choose your deeds wisely as they will become who you are," Yecke advised the honorees and audience.