Alternative ed graduates referred to as ‘survivors’
6/01/01
Sara Linn
Staff Writer

"Tomorrow is a promissory note. Yesterday is a cancelled check. But
today... is cash." 

Superintendent of Maple Valley schools Clark Volz spoke these
words of wisdom at the 2001 Maple Valley Adult and Alternative
Education graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 29, to the packed
Kellogg school gym.

The pride and excitement of parents, friends and faculty was heavy
in the air this night, as Volz, keynote speaker, spoke of character
and self-discipline. 

Kelly Weaver, former substitute teacher and alternative education
teacher, then took the stage.

"These kids are wonderful. I think these kids have something that
they won't get in a traditional setting; they get a little more
individual attention, and they are in a more relaxed atmosphere,"
she said with obvious compassion. Smiling, she went on, "This is
better than substitute teaching any day!" 

"We are not lazy, we're not troublemakers, and we're not bad
people," said Dustin Cook, an alternative education graduate. "We
went through some pretty tough times and lots of negativity before
finding our way here... we are special people, we are survivors," he
said. 

Many of the grads expressed desire to attend college to further their
educational experiences. Award winners and outstanding students
Angela Swanson and Samantha Rice both said they were planning to
attend community colleges.

Many awards, as well as diplomas, were given, some for excellence
in various subjects, such as civics and economics. Those outstanding
students who displayed congeniality, and those going above and
beyond the call of duty, also received honors. 

There were hugs and some tears as a handful of the grads shared
and thanked parents, teachers and others who have helped them
along the way. 

"Without understanding and patience, our graduates would not be
here," said proud Principal Terrence Mix.