MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Twenty-eight Matthew C. Perry High School students took the first step of the rest of their lives by graduating at the Marine Memorial Chapel here June 16.
In 2007, the 28 students entered High School as freshmen. Seven-hundred and twenty-two days later, they’re walking out as adults ready to take on the world.
And take on the world they will. Some will continue on to college to study medicine, music, and everything in between, while others plan to join the military to serve their country or jump right into the working world. But no matter their choice, each is destined for success.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go,” said Mark Lange, guest speaker, teacher and boys soccer coach, as he quoted Dr. Seuss to wrap up his address to the 2010 graduating class.
This year’s valedictorian was Cody Garner, who plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University for sports medicine. The class salutatorians were Martin Smallwood, who plans on jumping into the working world, and Mikhael Cometa, who plans on attending Azusa Pacific University for graphic design.
As the graduates received their well-earned diplomas, a speaker announced the students’ plans for the future and their special “thank-yous” to their friends and families.
“I feel really good (about graduating) and scared at the same time because I have no idea what the future holds for me because I’m going to be independent, but it’s a good feeling,” said Cometa. “It’s been fun living here, but I need something new in my life. I’m starting a new chapter.”
“Cherish our times together. Cherish the memories,” was the advice Cometa gave his fellow graduates.
Congratulations to the class of 2010. May you achieve success in every facet of life.