'Best is Yet to Come' For Fort Zumwalt North 2011 Grads

The 49th graduating class from was treated to a humor laced epilogue by Principal Joe Sutton in an early evening graduating ceremony at the St. Charles Family Arena on Saturday. In reference to not being the milestone 50th class, Sutton held up his forefinger and thumb, and then quoted a famous statesman, Don Adams as Secret agent Maxwell Smart, when he told the class “you missed it by that much."

Sutton went on to expand the idea that while the graduates may have been told by some people to “make the most of their days in high school because they may be the best of your life," he added that they left off two words – “so far." Sutton told the graduates to look forward and make all the days to come the best days of your life.

District Superintendent Dr. Bernard J. DuBray began his remarks by acknowledging this weekend is special not only because this graduation ceremony but more importantly, because it is Memorial weekend. Dr. DuBray then asked those students in the graduating class that have enlisted in the United States Military to stand and be applauded, and followed with a request that all the Veterans in the audience stand to be recognized and thanked for their service to our country.

Speaking for the student body, senior Class Secretary Lacy Shreves was invited to the stage and recalled the history of this graduating class in an elegant and thoughtful manner. Shreves congratulated her fellow students and honored them by stating, “I am surrounded by the brightest and best people that I have ever known in my life."

The Fort Zumwalt High School Faculty has a tradition of awarding two students each year for their achievements and their character by nominating them for Leadership and Citizenship awards. The award for Citizenship was given to Brad Banowitz, who achieved the honor of Summa Cum Laude and class president.

As the commencement exercises ended, and the students were presented to the assembled family and friends, the graduation caps filled the air and the applause resounded through the arena. The new graduates then filed out of the arena and headed out to the all night graduation party planned in their honor.