Last night, the Jon C.
Platts Auditorium was the setting for one of the highlights of our
community’s school year. For me, aside from Commencement itself,
Milton High School’s Honors Night is the pinnacle celebration of
our Rising Red Hawk’s accomplishments. It is an event that draws
pride like moths to a flame.
Let’s set the stage.
Entering the auditorium, I had to pause for a moment to let my eyes
adjust to the elegant, subdued lighting. How classy! The twinkling
white lights accented the nicely stated red, black, and sparkling
silver decorations. The presentation tables were draped with
Milton’s ‘M’ and the room was alive with anticipation. As I
made my way to my seat, I moved through and brushed shoulders with
our student’s parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended
family members. You could, literally, feel the energy from the
assembly and those on the stage as they completed their last minute
preparations. Soft piano music, provided by student Emily Suiter,
heightened the sense that we were about to experience something truly
great.
Then it was time. Student
Emcee, Jane Toberman, took the podium and the anticipatory buzz
became respectful silence and solemnity. The awardees and inductees
are far, far too numerous to mention here. Let it suffice to say
their names filled three pages of the program. As each new category
was announced, a salutary candle added its warm light to the
celebration and elegance. Eighteen seniors were noted for having
achieved 15 quarters of High Honors. This is most impressive! How
many of we adults can claim 4 years of consistent excellence in our
work or our lives?
Retiring Liaison Officer,
Jim Martin, lent encouraging motivational words in his address, and
Associate Principal of Teaching & Learning, Dr. Randy Bartels,
reminded us of those Hawk Habits that brought these bright and
shining students to this night – Leadership, Accountability,
Responsibility, and Perseverance.
Following the
presentations, families and guests gathered for refreshments and
reflection. Many pictures were taken. Many hugs were given. Many
tears of joy were shed, not only by parents, but also by our
phenomenal teachers who have seen and helped our kids through so
much.
What a night. You could
feel the heady joy, the celebration, the commitment, and dedication –
the fruit of Opportunity, Achievement, Community – culminating in
the Sunburst of Milton, OUR KIDS.
After all, Kids Matter.
#sdmtalent#honoringacademicexcellence#WOW
Jon Cruzan,
Community Catalyst
Cruzan4Milton
