PI Academy graduates 18 students
Last Thursday at Millersburg Elementary School before a crowd of more than 150 people, 18 students graduated from the Presque Isle Academy (PIA).
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. the graduates entered to ?Pomp and Circumstance? as Rick Bongard, director of the academy, welcomed the roomful of proud parents, family and friends before introducing the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle-Educational Service District (COPESD) Board of Education.
Bongard then addressed the graduates about their accomplishments and overcoming adversity. He told the story of Christian Moore, who with the help of one devoted friend was able to accomplish great things in his education and his life. Bongard told the students they should be known for their integrity and their willingness to help others along the way. ?The true measure of a worthwhile person is not what you become, but who you are,? said Bongard.
Graduate Bob Garms then took over the podium to read an essay he had written for his final portfolio project, ?What Presque Isle Academy meant to me?. Garms explained in his opinion the community does not have a good understanding of what the academy is all about. ?As I read this, understand that I am not trying to bring down any other schools, but without PIA, I would have never graduated from high school. I will defend the need for this school time and time again. Because without it, a lot of people I know would be drop-outs,? said Garms.
Nicholas King then enthusiastically congratulated his classmates before talking about the influence and support he received from the staff of PIA. He thanked his grandfather for allowing him to live in his house while he finished high school and thanked his father for all his encouragement. King also spoke of moving to many different schools during his life and how he fell behind because the curriculums did not match from one school to the next. ?Of all the schools I have attended, I liked this one the best!? said King.
Allison Holley then explained the many obstacles she had overcome to reach high school graduation. ?Up until about a year ago I was living in Petoskey attending Concord Academy, a K-12 Arts school. As I said before, my mindset was ?What?s the point? School is a waste of my time.? My grades reflected my attitude. My mot
Dr. Stan Delidow was the guest speaker for the evening and explained the importance of the COPESD and the pivotal role its school board played in creating PIA. ?Without the constant support of the COP board PIA would not be able to service the needs of many students in this county,? said Delidow.
Following the speeches a slideshow of pictures began before Bongard recommended the students for graduation and passed out their diplomas as the students received a standing ovation.