Superior students graduate

Thirty-six students graduated on Sunday from Superior High School. High school principal Allan Labbe welcomed guests as they gathered to celebrate the students "educational achievement." And while the academic success was the prominent focus of the afternoon's commencement ceremony, there was some question and debate about how many times the 2010 class had beater the faculty in tug-of-war contests throughout the years.

Valedictorian Tamara Rennick spoke about how the 2010 class was one of the best classes to come through the school.

"But it's not about being the best," Rennick said. "It's about having fun, living life, making friends and being yourself."

Rennick challenged her classmates that as they moved out into the world to not forget where they came from. Rennick said that some of her favorite memories were of basketball joking that sometimes it was "the primary reason I went to school."

Salutatorian Shelby Cooper recalled the laughs they shared building homecoming parade floats, the unproductive class meetings and the bus rides to sporting events. She cited the dysfunctional vending machines. Amidst all the laughs, Cooper wished her classmates the best.

"I hope you all find something your passionate about and fall in love with it and make the change you want to see in this world," Cooper said.

Gordon Hendrick gave the commencement address. Hendrick said that the class of 2010 was one special class and the class that he would miss the most as he has been with them since they entered the eighth grade. Hendrick was the assistant in Clark Conrow's science class. In addressing the students, Hendrick invited Labbe to the table to perform a science experiment. The question whether or not the jar was full.

Labbe filled the jar with golf balls, sand, pebbles and finally coffee.

Hendrick said that the golf balls represented the things that are most important in the students' lives and should be what they focused on: their health, children, families and their passions. The sand and pebbles represented everything else, the small details, while Hendrick said the coffee was to remind them that no matter how much stuff they have in their life there is always times to stop and have a cup of coffee with a friend or family member to catch up.

"Don't spend your time and energy focusing solely on the small stuff leaving no room for the important things," Hendrick said.

Hendrick challenged them that to succeed they must surpass their own expectations.

At the end of the speeches and the viewing of the senior video and slideshow, Wayne Stanley presented the class of 2010 and the board members presented them with their diplomas.

"Today is a special day," Hendrick said, "once you walk out those doors today you will no longer be students at Superior High School, but adults responsible for your actions, rather good or bad."