Click on the photos below to read the speeches that each person gave.

Opening Remarks

“I’d now like to bring up our keynote speaker.  This is the 3rd class that he has worked with since that day a little over two years ago when he came down to see how he could help.  He grew up in Pigtown and understood the challenges facing our young people and he rose to international success in the advertising field and so he knows the possibilities that exist.  He was looking to help a couple of hours a week by mentoring a student. Little did he know then how this commitment would grow to being at the school nearly everyday and working with each student individually in the class. He is a good man, a wise counsel, a real friend, and an integral part of the school community:
Don Riesett

“We have been very fortunate to have an active Advisory Board who are key supporters of the school, a source of wise counsel and also our corp of ambassadors to represent and spread the word about the school to the broader community. The Chairperson of the Advisory Board:

Sherry Welch

“Every student is required to have at least two sponsors whom they choose from among their family, neighbors, and friends.  This group is a key to the success of each student and the school itself.  We have asked one of the Sponsors to share some words with you today: Jeanette Norris

“None of these events would be quite as good without the man who is coming up next to share some remarks.  The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees: Dave Bayer

Welcome:

Tom  Culotta

Gratitude is an important part of the school culture.  The students took time in the ceremony to express their appreciation to all of those who helped them in this school year.  Click on the name to read what the students had to say.

It is now our time to appreciate and honor our young people.  First we will honor 5 of our alumni who will receive special recognition today - Sam, Justin, Kris, Ebony and Rin.

Four of you are being honored for receiving high school diplomas since our last ceremony.  This is a big accomplishment in your life for which we are very proud.  Several of you have decided to continue your education and are in college.  We honor and encourage you and thank you for your example.

“You are here today because you did not give up on yourselves...and the people in this room did not give up on you.  Every one of you has had disappointments and failures.  Every one of you could have taken the easy way out.  But every one of you bellied up to the bar of hard work, early mornings, late evenings, Honor Codes, and Tom’s five infamous Keys to Success.  You didn’t give up.  You grew up.”

Valedictory Address

Presentation of Certificates

Kristophor Watt, Ebony Love, Erin Foltz, Samantha Sloat & Justin Switzer.

“The Community School made it possible for me to choose my own path to where I want to be and who I want to become”

Sam

“I feel an overbearing sense of gratitude to you all and hope that I may help future students the same way you have helped me.”

Justin

Alumni Awards

“We have saved some of the best for last.  Here is where we honor the Class of 2009/2010.  I have been proud of each and every class and though it’s a source of laughter around here, each successive group has truly been the “best class” I have ever worked with. It’s part of being totally devoted to the students who are in the present.  It’s also earned as this class has been the hardest working and most collegial class that I have ever had the privilege to work with.

“This is a bittersweet moment for me I truly love each of you and though I am confident that this is not goodbye, it is the end of an era - this unique family of students, this wonderful community of young people who have lived together for the last year will give way to another grouping full of promise and possibility.  I will miss you deeply and am thankful that you gave me this time to work with you.” Tom

“The Community School is known for its rigor and all of the students have a right to be proud of their achievements.  Each and every student has significantly moved their education forward.  Each of the students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about this special time in their lives.  Two students have earned the right to present the valedictory speech today.  It is my honor to introduce to you: Brianna Patrick and Kimberly Smith.”

Kimberly Smith

Brianna Patrick

Graduates

Alvin Evan Green

Anthony Mulcahy

Freddy Chilcote

Larry

Kearns

Sara

Ciulla

Continuing Students

Amanda McCarty

Tevin

Thomas

C.J.

Sosa

Matthew

Wendler

The Class of 2009/2010

Click on the photos below to read the speeches that each person gave.

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Justin

Switzer

Samantha

Sloat

“The time I have spent here has encouraged me to take my talent and use it to its fullest potential.”

“This year has been a very quick one, but also a very rigorous and enjoyable one.”