DAVENPORT _ The 2008 graduating class of Charlotte Valley Central School heard words of inspiration from administrators and classmates during Friday's graduation ceremony.
Twenty-nine students received their diplomas during the evening event, held in the school gymnasium.
"We look for you to achieve in the days and the years to come," said Superintendent Mark Dupra. He found inspiration for his words in John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural speech, he said.
Just as the country looked to new leadership then, "a torch is being passed to a new generation (of graduates)," Dupra said. "Your time has arrived."
He told graduates to regard future adventures as a chance to prove themselves, no matter what the adversities. "It will help you grow and make you strong."
He told them, "those assembled to honor you place faith in your potential" and concluded that, "we only ask you to have faith in yourselves. Make the world and your community a better place to live."
Valedictorian Frances Mudge said that although students may feel a rightful sense of achievement now, "we haven't gone any place yet." This is the beginning of the process of learning, she said.
"We get a new start," she said. School has provided the skills needed to start the next phase of the trip.
"Take hold of your life," she said. "Share your compassion with the world. You are all strong, kind individuals, capable of great things."
The events included a slide show of student photos over the years, prepared by class president Shaylyn MacCracken.
The photos were one of the best parts of the evening, said graduating senior Benjamin Rogers. It made him think about all the memories and friendships he has developed during the years and "why we worked so hard to get where we are today," he said.
Among the best memories, he said, were all the sporting events he has been part of during school.
There was a real feeling of "camaraderie," he said.
He will be attending State University College of Technology at Delhi in the fall.
Zachary Consler will be attending the State University College at Oneonta, where he is enrolled in the music industry program. He enjoyed Charlotte Valley, he said, as being part of a small school provided a more personal experience.
