001getting caught in the rain. If you're not into yoga, if you have a brain, if you like making love and midnight in the doom of a cake, I'm a love that you look for to me and escape. Yes, I like being a colada. Getting caught in the rain. I'm not sure. [Music] We've been together since way back when sometimes I never want to see you again. But I want to know after all these years, you're still the one I want whispering in my ear. >> Still the one that turns my head. We're still having fun. And you're still the one. I knew that could be everything [Applause] but I never went away. I just wanted to go to [Music] my still one that made me still better. We still have still the one. You're still
002the one that makes me strong. still the one day long. We're still having fun. And you're still the one. Yes, you are. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] the wheel. [Music] [Applause] >> Still the one that left. Still the one and I can't get enough. We're still having fun. And you're still the one. [Music] You're still the one that can scratch my itch. >> You're still the one that I wish. We still haven't gone and you're still the one you Still that makes me happy. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Still [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] heat. wish that day he left the shadow but that was all he ain't coming back to you join made it stop just not enough to grab a handle off the top. Next stop sh down little road say
003one more time again one last shot one for the road [Music] [Applause] [Music] he's for the mind he's for show you. [Music] One more time. [Music] One last time. One more go. [Applause] It'll be right having great big fun. Take out the note saying to the line and that was all he wrote. He be making like a feel like I'm heading for the borderline going for broke saying one more head I'll do it this [Music] one more for the road [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] he's for the show all the way for the [Applause] one more time. I let it shine again. One more. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. He's for He's going to show it all the way. [Music] [Applause] The love you came to my
004rescue. I knew the moment I met you. Lonely and I was crying. [Applause] Hurting. I felt like dying. Oo the love the [Applause] way the way the way. Oh my love you girl. You [Applause] girl. You [Music] showed me that I was someone. Gave me the strength to go on. Now that I'm flying and free. Thank you for what you gave to me. You're the love. You're the love. You're the love in my heart and soul. You're the beat in my life. You're the way. You're the way. You're the way that my feelers blow. Oh my love. Heat. Heat. goat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] You're the love. You're the love. You're the love in my heart and soul. You're the way. You're the way. You're the way that go. All my love you. [Music] You
005[Music] You're the [Music] soul. You're the dream. You're the [Applause] way. You're the way. You're the way. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Good job. [Applause] [Music] Look at what's happened to me here. I can't believe it myself. Suddenly I'm up on top of the world. It should have been somebody else. [Music] Believe it or not, I'm walking on air. I never thought I could feel so free. Flying away on a wing at a prayer. Who could it be? Believe it or not, it's just me. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Just like the light of a new day, it hit me from out of the blue, breaking me out of the spell. I was in making all of my wishes come true. [Music] Believe it or not, I'm walking on air. I never thought I could feel so free. Flying
006away on a wing at a prayer. Who could it be? Believe it or not, it's just me. This is too good to be true. Look at me. Falling for you. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] on air. I never thought I could feel so free. Flying away on a wing at a good [Music] night. Believe it all. I'm walking on air. I never thought I could feel so free. Flying away. Who could it be? Believe it or not, it's believe it or not. I never thought I could feel so [Applause] [Music] Hello, girl. It's been a while. Guess you'll be glad to know that I've learned how to laugh and smile. Getting over you was slow. They say old lovers can be good friends. I never thought I'd be see I nearly see you again. I
007go crazy when I look in your eyes. I still go crazy. [Music] No, my heart just can't hide that old feeling inside. Way deep down inside. Go baby, you know when I look in your eyes, I go crazy. [Music] You say he satisfies your mind, tell you all of his dreams. I know how much that means to you. I realized that I was blind. [Music] Just when I thought I was over you. I see your face and it just ain't true. No, it just ain't true. I go crazy. When I look in your eyes, I still go crazy. That old flame comes alive. It starts burning inside. Way deep down inside. Oh, baby, you know when I look in your eyes, I go crazy. [Music] [Applause] Good morning everyone. Thank you for finding your seats.
008All right, ushers, you can find your seats now. Thank you. So, good morning everyone and welcome to Comocation 2025. Hopefully the red carpet was suitable for everyone entering here since you are all VIPs in SAU16. Really excited to see all the different school gear. It's amazing to see the different colors and representing your school that I appreciate that. Also, just a quick plug, you saw the new logo for SU16 by your student ushers that were helping you get to your seats. That stool school, that store will go online today after convocation. So, if you haven't seen it, it's two hands. And these this logo was created by our students from marketing and digital uh media arts at SST last year. So, you'll get a couple options that will come out, but I'm really excited about
009what our students do every day and and uh they didn't disappoint with this logo going forward. So, it's my pleasure to get our MC up here to MCE this special event. This young man who was going to MC for us today is a rising senior who not who's also serving a double duty capacity today. Bobby Pace is also part of the EHS vocal ensemble and this year he is the student representative to the school board. So he's got a lot on his plate. Would like to introduce senior Bobby Pace. >> Could everyone please stand for the pledge of allegiance? And just a quick note, we're going to remain standing after this because the vocal ensemble directed by Miss Jennifer Ramsay will be singing the national anthem. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
010United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming who stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight. For the ramparts we watch were so gallently streaming. And the rockets reds bursting in gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangle [Music] for the land of the free and the home of the brave. [Applause] Thank you, Miss Ramsey and the EHS vocal ensemble. That was amazing. We started talking about this early June and she had a couple practices over the summer and then again on Tuesday. So, that sounded amazing. Thank you very much. While
011we're on the topic of thanking people for making today happen, I would like to thanks uh the students that who are here performing and are serving as guest speakers and providing speeches today. Like to thank the members of my UF uh my um FC Exitter soccer team, the U1 uh team that were your ushers getting you to your seats today. So, thank you boys. like to thank Georgia and Hayden Gullage as your uh ticket office group getting you your tickets this morning. I want to thank all the educators who are in this room and what you do each and every day. It's very meaningful and I appreciate everything you do. I want to thank those parents who are in attendance today and rarely get the credit you deserve. Our community members, our schoolboard members who
012are supporting the work that we do each and every day. and to all of our custodians who got schools ready for a start of another school year. [Applause] To Miss Dalia Dagel and her amazing team for putting on our breakfast this morning to Eric Chalis and Dean Kle for supporting us with our technology needs. Thank you Dean and Eric. and Miss Sharon Gullage who set up all the logistics today getting everyone the seats, you know, making everything look as amazing it did this morning. Thank you so much, Sharon. And then finally, I want to just thank my family and beautiful bride for putting up with me in our crazy schedule. I appreciate that. So, more than you'll know. So, now I'm going to turn it over to Bobby to get this show started. So, Bobby,
013it is now yours. [Applause] >> All right. I want to hear you guys, so be loud when I call out your school. All right. Main Street School and Exit Day School. [Applause] Lincoln Street School, >> East Kingston Elementary School. >> Kensington Elementary School. Yeah. >> New Fields Elementary School. >> Sees Central School. >> Stratam Memorial School. The Cooperative Middle School, >> Exiter High School, >> the Secost School of Technology, Exit Adult Education. [Applause] [Music] >> Yeah. And finally, any central office parents, school board members, and anyone else who didn't fall under those previous categories. Let's hear it. All right, I'm going to turn it over to Chris now. We're on a firstname basis. Thanks, Bobby. He He is the student rep. Anyways, uh well, thank you. That the energy is amazing in this room, and
014that's what we were hoping for. Uh we have a great program for you today. We have a chance to hear from amazing students, recognize staff and community members that are celebrating awards that have been nominated by you in this room. And we get to celebrate all the amazing work that teachers and our educators do each and every day. Welcome to Convocation 2025, rolling out the red carpet. And yes, that is why you had assigned seats. What other special event do you go to where you don't get a ticket and have an assigned seat? So, I'm sorry that that made some anxiety when I email went out. I apologize right now, but please understand the inner nerd of Chris Andriski. Okay, I'm going to turn it to Bobby. He is going to introduce our first guest
015speaker to the stage. Could I get Will Morgan from Sees up to the stage, please? [Applause] So, I wrote my intro last, which was the hardest. And my dad reminded me of what my grandfather, the former superintendent, used to say. Tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them, then tell them what you just told them. Here it goes. My teachers and education have shaped all parts of who I am today and my from my role as an athlete, a student, and a person. Anyone who knows me knows I love being active and I enjoy a good competition or challenge. My teachers and education challenge me to set goals and accomplish goals. This is a skill I use regularly, either setting goals for myself on soccer fields, hockey rinks, or baseball diamonds, as well
016as the classroom. They have shown me I can incorporate the things I am passionate about into everyday learning. For example, in Mrs. Wood's class, we got the opportunity to create a wax museum. I got I got to pick a role models to research. While doing the project, not only did I learn how to do research, I learned how to handle with the stress of a large project and manage my time over the weeks I spent prepare preparing. My teachers also challenged me to push myself further by adding an extra life-siz cutout and mini soccer field. My teachers have taught me how to be part of a group and work together towards a goal. I like working hard to get better. I like pushing myself to see how far I can go. not only in athletics
017but in school too. Even though coach Andrrisky's team never loses, right guys? My teachers and coaches have taught me that it's okay to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and get better as long as I'm trying my best. My education has also taught me the importance of being physically active and making healthy choices, except when chocolate crepes are involved. My teachers and school have given me a love of learning. I use my favorite subject, math, all the time without even noticing. Whe whether it is calculating currency exchange rates so I can beg my parents to buy soccer jerseys from different countries or using math and different sports statistics. I'm using the skills my teachers taught me. The Steam Lab has shown me that opportunities can be endless when it comes to skills like coding. Did
018you know that coding is a sneaky way to play video games? My education has also given me a love of reading and science. I'm trying to finish all the Harry Potter books this year. I'm currently on book six. I remember this one time when my teacher told us to line up. I didn't even hear it because I was so lost in Harry Potter 4. I would tell you, but I didn't want to spoil it for everyone. And it involves Cedric Digory. Thanks to my teachers, I've been able to take lessons learned in the classroom, such as what lava rocks come from different volcanoes and apply that to exploring the world around me. Costa Rica has awesome lava rocks, FYI. I learned to ask questions and what questions to ask to better understand the world around
019me. My education has also influenced who I am as a person. My teachers and school always encouraged me to respectful citizen of our planet. I have had opportunities to be cooperative, assertive, responsible, empathetic, and have self-control. Car's goals. Every Friday at the end of the morning announcements, Mr. Q says, "Be nice today to" to somebody and make their day. I use these lessons in everyday life, whether it is working together with my friends and classmates or knowing how to solve disagreements, particularly with my brothers. I have learned how to be responsible for my schoolwork and my belongings. Even though I occasionally still lose things like my sunglasses. Sorry, Mom. I'm comfortable standing up for myself and others and using my voice when it is needed. My education has taught me to value all people and
020celebrate their differences. While history has taught me it isn't always the case, I feel very strongly that people should be treated fairly and I try and speak up when I should. Suzie has helped me to learn things I will use when I am older. My teachers and education have have influenced all areas of my life and motivated me to keep working hard. Thank you teachers and I can't wait for the year ahead. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you again, Will. Awesome job. I'm now going to read a little bit about our first award today, which is the leaders to learn from award. The qualifications for the leaders to learn from award are outlined as such. Our leaders come from within our organization. They are a striking combination of tenacity and humility. They are single-minded about improving
021the lives of our students and the communities they serve. But they understand that they are working as part of an enterprise much bigger than any one person and that the work of successfully educating and supporting students can only be done by teams of committed players. Two nominees will be received to select this award. It is my honor to welcome two amazing staff members to the stage to accept the 2025 leaders to learn from award. The first recipient received multiple nominations for this award. Here is how her colleagues described her. Consistently exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. Steadfast in her dedication to improving the lives of students and strengthening the community she serves. Working alongside this person has made me better at my job and she is collaborative, grounded and generous with her time
022to make me grow. I wholeheartedly recommend this person for leaders to learn from uh award and to any other opportunities to allow this person to continue to make a greater impact on our students and community as she already does on a daily basis. It is my pleasure to welcome speech and language pathologist from the Cooperative Middle School, Miss Emily Schultz, to the stage. [Applause] >> Thank you so much. [Applause] I just want to I just want to say quickly, I went through this district and every day I'm so grateful to be working with the the teachers and the staff members that shaped me as a learner. And I just I'm really passionate about this district and I'm I'm just so grateful. Thank you. >> Welld deserved Emily and love the homegrown award recipient. Our second
023recipient also received multiple nominations for this award. This person was described by her administration and peers as follows. This person leads through her deep and consistent commitment to students, staff, and shared school values. She embodies the essence of this award, tenacity balanced by humility, innovation, grounded in relationships, and a belief that collaboration drives meaningful change. Through throughout her decade career, this person has remained passionate for teaching and learning. She continually seeks a new way to inspire her students and nurture their lives, especially for literature. An early adopter of student choice reading practices, she has long advocated for interest-based novels, studying that honor student agency while maintaining rigorous expectations. As a teacher mentor, this person supports new educators and finding their footing. and as a member of our support and account accountability committee, she works across
024multiple roles and perspectives to shape our school culture. It is with gratitude and appreciation that I welcome English language arts teacher at Cooperative Middle School, Miss Juliana Jones, to the stage to accept this award. Congrats [Applause] on me. All right, let's hear it one last time for our leaders to learn from award winners. [Applause] >> I would now like to welcome Keegan Melik from the Cooperative Middle School to the stage. [Applause] Good morning everyone. My name is Keegan Melik and I'm an eighth grader at CMS. Today I'm going to talk about how my teachers and my education have impacted who I am. School is not just about learning doing math problems. It's also about making friends and overcoming challenges. First, I'd like to talk about my teachers. You haven't just taught me about school subjects.
025You have also taught me how to solve problems in and out of the classroom and how to approach different problems. I have appreciated every teacher that I've had and each has impacted my life in different ways. An example of this is my Greenland principal, Miss Hie. During school, she was consistently there for me and she would cheer for me at my sports games and attend big events in my life. She cared for me beyond academics and truly wanted to see me succeed in my life. She has taught me the power of being kind and positive. Although I don't go to her school anymore, we are still in contact to this day. When I struggle with something in class, my teachers don't give me the answers, but they make sure I understood the process to get
026the solution. This doesn't just help me with classes, but it gives me more confidence and teaches me how to figure things out on my own. Knowing that I can lie in myself has made me more capable in everything that I do. My teach teacher's influence goes beyond the classroom. Having my teachers there shows me that they don't just care about me as a student, but also as a person. Knowing that they are cheering me on made me motivated and encouraged. This support I appreciate a lot because it shows me that my teachers doing extra work to see me succeed in class and out of class. School has also taught me how to work together with others. In my group projects and activities, I've learned how to share my thoughts and listen to my partner's ideas
027to succeed and reach the goal. Sometimes in our group projects, we do not agree, but by hearing and respecting each other's thoughts, we can work together to get better ideas and solutions. Teamwork has helped a lot in school, but it's also helped me outside of school. And I know that teamwork will help me in my career, future, or life in general. There were times in school when I faced challenges and problems, and I got frustrated. But every time that happened, my teachers were by my side to help me work through the problem. My teachers taught me it's okay to make mistakes and that it's part of learning. And each time we do it helps us get better. It doesn't matter if you make a mistake, it matters how we move forward from the mistake. This
028mindset helps me approach those hard problems with a positive attitude, knowing that getting it wrong doesn't mean failure. It just means growth. In the end, my education's impacted me in a lot of ways. It didn't just teach me the facts. It taught me how to solve problem problems, how to work together, how to overcome and push forward if you make a mistake. Also, I learned that success is not just getting the problem correct, but also to work with each other. I'm very thankful for my teachers support, and I know what they have taught me, I'll use throughout my life. Thank you for listening. A big thank you to Keegan for that speech. I'm now going to read a little bit about our Eustace award. Joan and Dick Eustace serve the students of SAU16 through teaching,
029coaching, and administrative capacities for a combined total of 53 years. This award will be presented to an SA6 employee who has served students with the distinction that exemplifies an SA16 education. The winner of this award received six separate nominations for the award this year. In each of the nominations, the one thing that stood out was this staff member's commitment and impact she has with the staff and students she works with. Some of the descriptors that were used in this nomination are true connector, one who sees the inherent worth in every individual and brings together with purpose and care. unlock staff and student potential, recognizing their value and building the confidence to connect with others. Fostering a stronger, more unified culture at our school, one rooted in healing, empathy, and shared responsibility for the development of
030every child. She has guided us often through her challenging transitions to become a more cohesive mission aligned team. Her approach is marked by humility, deep listening and clarity of purpose that inspires other to reflect, reframe and rise. Reflect, reframe, and rise. Sign me up. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome the culture and commitment community connection coach at the Cooperative Middle School, Miss Stephanie Fion, to the stage. Heat. Heat. [Applause] I would now like to welcome our high school speaker to the stage. Will Acadia Lassard please come to the stage. [Applause] Hello, my name is ADA Lassard. I'm a rising senior here and also a rising secondyear student at the SECO School of Technology through the careers and education program. Words cannot describe how excited and honored I am to have the opportunity to speak
031at the convocation this year. Teachers have always been a huge part of my life. Their guidance and support is the reason why I am who I am today. The impact that teachers have is immeasurable with the ability to help shape each student's futures. Now when I look back, I see you gave me more than just the required curriculum, but you shared your wisdom, guidance, and kindness, and that will stay with me for a lifetime. School provides more opportunities than students realize to interact with classmates and teachers who might not be a part of their daily schedule. Through a path that started with an email buddy through the National Honor Society, I've had the privilege of joining a club, not just any club, but fun club. And it couldn't have been named more perfectly. Through this
032club, I've been able to interact with students and from the life skills class and new teachers who are truly amazing. Mrs. Costa, Miss Meg, and Mr. Patrick have helped me realize that I'm making an impact on those students when I just thought they were impacting me. Fun club is something that I look forward to each and every week and it has given me a new reason to be excited to go back to school just so I can be with my new friends and new teachers that I made a really special connection with. While I carry all my teachers close to my heart, I wanted to share some special people that have impacted the person I am today. I will always remember Mrs. Walker, my third and fourth grade teacher, as a very encouraging, positive, caring,
033passionate, and determined person. I will remember the length she goes for her students both inside and outside of the classroom. She set the foundation for my strength and motivation to keep pushing through my education no matter how hard it got. She wanted to make a difference in students lives and she did. Fast forwarding a bit, I will always remember the stress going into freshman year. Little did I know I had been assigned an advisory teacher who I would rely upon during my years here. I will always remember how lucky I am to have Mr. Stack House as an advisory teacher. He goes above and beyond for me and the support he provides is an understatement. Sorry. Um, he has always been the person I go to. Whether it's encouragement when I think I failed a
034math test, which I didn't, to things that are happening at home, he is always there. I will always remember the laughter, the tears, and the time I spent in his classroom. Through him, I've recognized how impactful kindness can be. Throughout high school, I've um tried to push myself to take new opportunities as they come. I decided to go out of my comfort zone and apply to SST. Later now, I can say I've made the best decision I've ever made to be a part of that class. Oh my god. Sorry. Oh my god. I will I will always remember Mrs. Russell as being a great role model. She's intelligent, supportive, um passionate, approachable, and most importantly, passionate about helping each and every student to become the best versions of themselves. I will always remember the support
035she gave me when trying new opportunities. For example, one $10 bill entrance fee, hard work, and her guidance led me not only to get second in the state for interviewing, but to meet the requirements to compete in the Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando, Florida. Miss Russell Miss Russell was there every step of the way. This experience has given me the confidence not only to try new things, which I considered a strength, but to be comfortable with public speaking, which I considered an accomplishment. Junior year, I decided to challenge myself and move up to honors English. I was extremely nervous since I didn't think I would meet my high academic expectations. I will always remember Mrs. Davis believing in me, making me feel comfortable, cared for, and being there for me whenever I needed help.
036She was someone who I could go to not only about academics but about life. She helped me find my voice through writing and through that I've learned that I am capable and I'm stronger than I know. Finally, I would just like to thank all the teachers I've had throughout my years at school and I really appreciate everything that you've done for me. The impact from my teachers, my education through EHS and SST [Applause] has made me a better person, friend, communicator, listener, community member, and leader. I hope you know your impact does not go unnoticed. Over the course of one school year, students spend 180 days or 4,320 hours or 259,200 minutes or 15,552,000 seconds with their teachers. So, every moment counts. I don't know what the future holds for me, but as of this
037moment, I want to be just like you. So that that's really hard to follow. Aadia, that was amazing. To be vulnerable in front of these people shows the grit and perseverance that you have. I'd also like to give another round of applause for our student speakers. It is so hard to get up and speak in front of everybody. And lastly, I think Aadia, your vulnerability gave us the message of why we do what we do. So, thank you so much. >> For our final award today, this is the new Superintendence Award for Community Partnership. So, I'm going to read a little bit about that. The SAU16 Superintendent Award for Community Partnership recognizes an outstanding organization, business, or individual that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting and enhancing the educational experiences of students through collaboration with
038a school or the SAU16. This award honors partnerships that contribute to student success, strengthen school community connections, and promote meaningful engagement in education. Criteria was based on five distinct areas. impact on student learning and development, collaboration and engagement, innovation and sustainability, equity and inclusion, and finally, community involvement and advocacy. In the first year of this award, I wasn't sure what type of response we'd get. Myself and the selection committee were overwhelmed to read through 17 nominations that came to us about our various community partners. This reassured me and the selection committee that the shift to recognize our community partners with the superintendent award was not only appropriate but also needed. Thank you to all of you who submitted nominations to recognize the amazing work that is happening within our schools at SAU16 and our community
039partners. You did not make it easy for us to award a single winner and is that is why we're going to recognize two outstanding community partners this morning. The first community partner received multiple nominations with many common themes throughout each nomination letter. Those common themes were described as such. For the past 10 years, this organization has partnered with SAU16 to contribute to student achievement, well-being, and personal growth through its commitment to bringing about racial unity. Founded in 2015 after the Charleston Church shooting, this organization aims to promote racial diversity and unity in New Hampshire, creating a true sense of belonging for everyone in the state. The work this organization has done in collaboration with SAU16 with the arts in action, the art and poetry challenge, and the bookshelf diversity program have all had great impacts
040on our student learners. As part of their ongoing collaborative relationship, this organization has been involved with SAU16 administrators, teachers, and students on almost a daily basis as a critical member of our anti-discrimination task force. They joined staff and students in reviewing school policy and made recommen recommendations to ensure they were in compliance with best practices, assists in developing the anti-discrimination protocol for our district, and co-created the recent community dialogue event to bring the community and schools closer together. The racial unity team connects students to these and other opportunities and organizations so they can volunteer, engage in public speaking and self-exression with all of which contribute to the academic success, well-being, and personal growth of our students. Please help by welcoming Ken Mendes, Sylvia Foster, and Mark Whitney of the racial unity team to accept the
041superintendent award for community partnership. Congratulations. [Applause] It want to say a few words. >> Thank you everybody and I'm going to let Sylvia talk. >> Thank you SAU16 for continuing to invite us to recognize the value of our communities of many different heritages and cultures. Their voices have come into the classroom and as Will said, our first speaker said, they continue to strengthen relationships and new perspectives. The keys to our success were the creative forces of SAU16's administration and stellar teachers, Christina Peterson, Adam Krauss, Dennis Magloszi, and Jess Wentworth. [Applause] From the start, teachers brought the act actions of art and the project alive. And then the second grade teachers at SMS created lifting literacy windows and mirrors. This project is also fabulous. and it finds joy in being fair and inclusive. So again, it's
042been a joy to work with the teachers. It's been a joy to be welcomed here through your superintendent, your principles, your librarians, your building and office managers. Everyone played a part and we can't tell you how grateful we are to help make a difference in this community and beyond because as Katie said, you're stronger than you know. And as author Tony Morrison said, this is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, and no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. Go Blue Hawks. Go SAU16. [Applause] Thank you again, racial unity team. One of the awards they won was also a poster created by our digital media arts and um marketing students at
043SST to recognize the work that our community partners are doing in our community. So, thank you to them for helping out in that way. [Applause] The second organization that I'd like to recognize this morning also received multiple nominations for this award. They were described as follows. This organization's relationship with SAU16 has been longgoing for over a decade. During this long relationship, they have continued to provide unwavering support and deep engagement, which has shaped the SECO School of Technologies automotive program. Their partnership stands as a model for how local businesses can transform education, empower young students. As our sponsor for Ford Automotive Career Exploration, ACE, we love acronyms in education. They have gone far beyond the typical role of a business partner. They have provided our students with access to in industry level training, hands-on experience
044with a professional dealership, and exposure to the latest in automotive technology. This partnership has opened up doors that simply would not exist otherwise. The impact on our students has been real and lasting. They have welcomed multiple interns into their program, two of whom were offered jobs following their internship. These opportunities just don't look good on a resume. They help students build confidence, develop technical skills, and see a clear path to the competitive field. And collaboration with this organization has not been passive. They are active partners in every sense. Service manager Brandon Bouvet serves on our advisory committee, leading his expertise to ensure our curriculum matches real word, real world industry needs. They ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to highquality training and robust career pathways in every way. McFarland Ford distri demonstrates how
045a local business can enrich public education through mentorship, advocacy, and meaningful investment in youth. Their partnership has not only elevated our program, but has also changed the trajectory for countless students. It is my pleasure to welcome to the stage Brandon Bouvier, service manager from McFarland Ford to the stage to receive the superintendent award for community partnership. [Applause] All right. Thank you to all of our community partners. Even if they were not necessarily mentioned here today, they do great work in all of our schools. I would now like to invite Patrick OD from the joint board up to the stage, please. [Applause] Welcome. I'm here on behalf of the joint board, which has over 30 schoolboard members uh in seven different boards. And I wanted to first recognize two groups. First, the students that were here
046today, the student speakers, the heartfelt speeches, the vocal ensemble, and this is really what it's all about. If we can just give them another round of applause, please. Secondly, I wanted to recognize those folks that are part of building and grounds or custodial staff. If you can stand, please. Um, we we owe you a lot of appreciation for all the good work that you do. They're standing somewhere. I wanted to say that as we meet as boards, we're mindful of what's happening at the state and federal level and we are going to continue to think about that and reflect upon that to meet our community needs and that includes all of you. Uh you're part of our community and we welcome your voices into that discussion because it's a very difficult time in terms of
047balancing all those different needs as we make decisions. We also recognize that you handle a lot. You work with uh students and families. You work with supervisors and co-workers. Sometimes you have things going on at home. It's a lot to balance. And some people might even say it's a lot to juggle. [Laughter] I mean, you got students, you got co-workers, things at home. You got to sort of figure out how to keep them all Whoa. and and we know that there are going to be highs. And before I show you this one, Will, I appreciate your comment about it's okay to make mistakes. So there'll be highs and there may be lows. [Applause] And there are times that you might find that you get yourself stuck. And when you do, we know that you're going
048to rely on your teaching and work tricks and use your head. And again, it's okay to make mistakes. Try it again. [Applause] [Music] So on behalf of the joint board, we wish her a great year and have fun. >> Thank you, Mr. Patrick OD, the joint board chair for that awesome performance. I'm now going to welcome up Dr. Andrewski for the closing remarks about impact. had to go a whole hour before you call me Dr. Andriski. We've got a lot to learn during our meetings, Bobby. All right. Thank you, though. Uh over the course of this morning, we've heard the word impact mentioned in a variety of ways. Google's English dictionary defines impact in two ways. The first definition is the action of one object coming forcefully in contact with another. Thankfully, we didn't hear
049about objects forcefully coming into contact with another this morning. However, the second definition is defined as having a strong effect on someone or something. This definition is something that we heard repeatedly throughout our speeches and time together this morning. We heard about teachers being a huge part of students lives, guiding them, supporting them and shaping them for the future. We heard about students finding their voice, becoming more confident, helping them solve problems and care about each individual as an individual. It is statements like this that help me and will hopefully help you remember how important our jobs are each day. We have the ability to instill confidence, provide support, and shape the future that our students have. As you begin the start of this school year, I would ask everyone to not only realize the
050impact that educators have, but also take the time to celebrate as much as possible. The people in this room have the most difficult jobs in the world. And the re reward we get from doing it is literally sitting right in front of us. So when times get tough and it is difficult to do our jobs, please think back to our students and how one word of inspiration, time of self-reflection or a simple gesture of support can impact our students in a positive manner. It was it is what only builds them up but also provides them with the framework of success. In closing, I was listening to an interview Chris Stapleton was having with a reporter at the 2024 annual CMA Awards, and the reporter asked Chris what has helped him create his success over the
051years. Chris simply responded by saying, "Find what you love, do what you love, and do it as long as possible." Well, I can tell you I found what I love and I plan on being in education and positively impacting the lives of staff and students as long as I possibly can. So, thank you for being here today and I hope that this last song by the Exor High School Vocal Ensemble inspires you as much as it does for me. It is one of my favorite songs and I think it embodies and captures what we do and why we are SAU16. Without further ado, the Exit High School Vocal Ensemble with Miss Jennifer Ramsey. >> Yeah, you're supposed to jump. >> You didn't jump. [Music] Are the sing. [Music] You can be the greatest. You can
052be the best. You can be the King Kong banging on your chest. You can beat the world. You can beat the war. You can talk to God. Go banging on his door. >> You can put your hands up. You can beat the clock. You can bring a mountain. You can bring rocks. You can be a master. Don't wed yourself and you can buy yourself in the hall of fame. Yeah. The world's going to know your name. Yeah. You burn with the brightest flame. Yeah. The world's going to know your name. Yeah. On the distance. You can run the mile. You can walk straight through hell with a smile. You can be the hero. You can get the gold. Breaking all the records they thought never could be broken. Do it for your people. Do it
053for your pride. Why you going to go if you never even tried? Do it for your country. Do it for your name. Cuz it's going to be a day when you're standing in the hall of fame. Yeah. And the world's going to know your name. Yeah. You burn with the brightest flame. World your name. You'll be on the walls of the hall of fame. Be a champion. A champion. Be teachers, be politicians, be preachers. Yeah. Yeah. Be believers, be leaders, be astronauts, be champions, be truth seekers, be students, be teachers, be politicians, be preachers. Yeah. Yeah. Be believers, be leaders, be astronauts, be champions. [Music] The world's going to know your name. Yeah. With a bright flame. Yeah. The world's going to know your name on the wall of all the fame. Be the greatest.
054You can be the best. You can be the king banging on your chest. You can be the world. You can be the war. You can talk to God. Go banging on your door. You can throw your hands up. You can be the clock. You can challenge. You can break rocks. You can be a mask. Don't wait for us. Dedicate yourself by yourself in the hall of fame. [Applause] Exit High School Vocal Ensemble. I hope you heard the words. SAU16, you are our champions. You are our Hall of Fame. Have a great school year. You are dismissed. [Applause] [Music] You don't know me, but I'm your brother. I was wasted in this living hell. You don't know my kind in your world. Very soon the time will tell you. [Applause] Telling me the things you're going
055to do for me. [Music] I ain't blind and I don't like what I see. >> Taking it to the street. >> No more needing it to the street. >> Oh no. [Music] Take this message to my brother. [Music] You will find himwhere [Music]