Overcoming Obstacles: It’s Grad Day!
Many gathered today and showed support for the graduates of the Pathfinder Learning Center (PLC) located in LS Eddy Memorial Complex. Showing pride and support were CEN & Associates staff members, teaching staff, family and friends of the graduates.
Following the graduation procession, Mr. Perry White, Principal welcomed everyone to the 27th grad
uation ceremony for the Pathfinder Learning Center. He spoke with passion and emotion of the privilege of working at the center and how he is able to work alongside many amazing young people.
With lighthearted comedy he compared personal obstacles he has overcome in his own life and, always the teacher, used the opportunity as a teaching moment to symbolize the importance of never giving up. “Lots of time in life we all face obstacles, but our biggest obstacle is ourselves, we get in our own way.”
He said it is t
he priority of the teaching staff at PLC to assist young people, no matter what age or stage in life they come to them, to develop them into productive members of society. Of graduation he said, “To move a tassel from one side to another is a big thing, it’s us telling the world we believe in you…you are ready!”
Eugene May, Assistant Director with English School District addressed the group and added that the Pathfinder Learning Center, something dear and close to his heart, gives students another opportunity to graduate, It gives options. Building on Mr. White’s message on obstacles, he said, “We all face obstacles, and we have two options: face the challenge or do nothing, the easiest is to do nothing.” To the graduates he added, “Congratulations you faced the challenge, you stuck with it and today you are graduating.”
Graduate Carley Alexander, on behalf of the graduates, spoke of their first day at the center of coming to a new environment, with new rules and new peers, but how a short while later emerging more confident. She thanked all those that have stood by and supported each along the way, friends, family and teachers, wishing her fellow graduated success on life’s path.
Vanessa Lee, Youth Engagement Coordinator with Community Youth Network for the Stephenville area, presented each graduate with a monetary gift to assist them with their post secondary training application fee, when the time is suitable for them.
Congratulations Carley Alexander, Brandon Ogden and Jaida Hynes-Goudie!
