Lake Stevens High School Graduation
Published on Tue, Jun 14, 2011Read More Local News
For seniors, who proudly chanted their senior cheer when all 466 had processed to their seats, it was the last time they would all be together. While they will always be Vikings, they have all attended their last class at LSHS.
It was the first time they collectively heard from fellow classmates encouraging them to cherish their memories, to live in the moment, to explore, and to be passionate about life and learning.
For the first time in recent history the diploma covers students received on stage contained their original diploma certificate.
Principal Ken Collins was pleased with the new process stating, “It took a lot of pre-planning and organization the day of graduation, but we had staff members that stepped up and did a great job— it worked well.”
For Ken Collins, with 21 years dedicated to LSHS, it was the last time he would be addressing graduates as the Principal of Lake Stevens High School. With enthusiasm he shared with graduates that Lake Stevens High School was his favorite place and that the students were his favorite people.
As he revisited the many changes that have occurred over the past 21 years, he also reminded students how many things stay the same. For example, Collins recalled the students’ love of sports, of being superfans, of being a part of clubs and activities, as well as their renowned student-run assemblies and passion for learning.
He went on to emphasize, most importantly, that the sense of community, both at the school and neighborhood levels will remain. Next year, for the first time in 21 years, Mr. Collins will be parking in a different Lake Stevens School District parking lot, one at the Educational Service Center where he will take on the role of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
As Superintendent David Burgess will retire in July, it was his last time to present the graduating class to the board of directors, assuring that all graduates had met the Washington State graduation requirements and are qualified for a Lake Stevens High School diploma. He left the graduates with the following prayer:
I hope you will choose optimism over cynicism;
Rather than attack others’ weaknesses, you build on others’ strengths;
When surrounded by despair, you introduce hope;
While hearts are filled with hatred, you share a message of love;
And in the end, may others say, that we are better because you were here.
Congratulations to the Class of 2011.
It was the first time they collectively heard from fellow classmates encouraging them to cherish their memories, to live in the moment, to explore, and to be passionate about life and learning.
For the first time in recent history the diploma covers students received on stage contained their original diploma certificate.
Principal Ken Collins was pleased with the new process stating, “It took a lot of pre-planning and organization the day of graduation, but we had staff members that stepped up and did a great job— it worked well.”
For Ken Collins, with 21 years dedicated to LSHS, it was the last time he would be addressing graduates as the Principal of Lake Stevens High School. With enthusiasm he shared with graduates that Lake Stevens High School was his favorite place and that the students were his favorite people.
As he revisited the many changes that have occurred over the past 21 years, he also reminded students how many things stay the same. For example, Collins recalled the students’ love of sports, of being superfans, of being a part of clubs and activities, as well as their renowned student-run assemblies and passion for learning.
He went on to emphasize, most importantly, that the sense of community, both at the school and neighborhood levels will remain. Next year, for the first time in 21 years, Mr. Collins will be parking in a different Lake Stevens School District parking lot, one at the Educational Service Center where he will take on the role of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
As Superintendent David Burgess will retire in July, it was his last time to present the graduating class to the board of directors, assuring that all graduates had met the Washington State graduation requirements and are qualified for a Lake Stevens High School diploma. He left the graduates with the following prayer:
I hope you will choose optimism over cynicism;
Rather than attack others’ weaknesses, you build on others’ strengths;
When surrounded by despair, you introduce hope;
While hearts are filled with hatred, you share a message of love;
And in the end, may others say, that we are better because you were here.
Congratulations to the Class of 2011.
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