To the Class of 2011 at Graduation

This year we started with the theme “Every student has a story”. We are proud and honored to be present as you close one chapter of your life story and begin another.

We are appreciative of those family members, teachers, and friends whom you allowed to become important characters in your story. You have also been characters in our life stories as well. Over the years your teachers and principals have often told me about how proud they are of you. You have inspired us, kept us on the edge of our seats, made us cry or laugh at different times as your story unfolded more and more under your direction.

When you began kindergarten in 1998, I began in Sun Prairie as a “kindergarten” superintendent. We have spent 13 years together and the class of 2011 is the first class to graduate during my entire time here, so you hold a very special role in my own story.  Beyond that, thank you for sharing your letters about your positive and challenging experiences in our schools. I can only hope I have learned and grown as much as each of you.

Now… the plot thickens… you commence with the rest of your story. How you live your life will speak, no matter if you create your master work as businesses or buildings; service to others or scripts; music or media.

With greater anticipation even than we feel waiting for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, we, your fans, can hardly wait to see your dreams become the success stories you will create for yourself, those you love, and those you will serve.

In a moment, your tassel, as well as the last page of this chapter turns, and you are officially out of here. But your stories can never be out of our stories…our hearts…our memories.

So, at this time, will the historic and awesome Class of 2011 please come forward…

(...and please stay InspirED)

Tim Culver