I would first like to congratulate all of you, your families, and friends on reaching this important milestone. I also wish to acknowledge the fact that while your graduation ceremony is significantly different than any previous Camanche High School Commencement, it is still a great achievement and should be recognized with the same importance as all graduations before yours. For nearly sixty years, senior classes have graduated from Camanche and the “Class of 2020” will be the first that will have to deal with the challenges caused by a Worldwide Pandemic. It is truly a shame that you will miss many of the normal experiences that seniors have during their final months of school and I am truly sorry that this has happened to you and your class. I do hope that someday you find some “silver lining” in this difficult situation and that it results in some type of positive outcome for you. This might be said best in the words of Winston Churchill, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Graduation from high school is seen by most as the beginning of transitioning into your adult life. A vast majority of you will either be continuing your education, beginning your career, or perhaps joining the military. Regardless of your life’s path, I would remind you that this is a perfect time, if you haven’t already done so, to develop goals for yourself. Rather than waiting for life to happen, work to develop those opportunities that will allow you to be in control of your destiny as much as you can. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.”
Finally, I would welcome all of you into the continually growing group of Camanche High School Alumni. I am proud to be a member of this group and hope you feel the same. Through the years I have heard and read about many Camanche graduates who have accomplished many wonderful things. My hope is that you also find that it is possible to reach your goals and accomplish much in your lifetime. Best Wishes and Congratulations Class of 2020! – Tom Parker, Superintendent