Jordan-Elbridge students, remember to be humble and kind
BY Jason Gabak
Editor
James Froio, superintendent of schools at Jordan-Elbridge is the first to admit that he doesn’t always pay very close attention to song lyrics.
He shared this story with the members of the class of 2016 as they prepared for graduation.
“I listen to a song on the radio and I know the tune but I don’t really know what the song is about,” Froio said.
But one song seemed to find a place in Froio’s mind and seemed to be the perfect sentiment for the 52nd commencement ceremony of Jordan-Elbridge High School.
The song, “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw, according to Froio was one where the lyrics resonated and stayed with him and had several key messages he wanted the graduates to keep in mind as they begin the next phase of their journey.
The lyrics remind the listener to appreciate what they have and remember their roots and the people who have supported them along the way.
Froio said as they go forward, the graduates should remember to treat others as they would like to be treated, to take time to come back home and visit with their friends and family and to let go of the little annoyances they will encounter every day.
“Every day some one will upset you,” Froio said. “Don’t hold on to bitterness, let it go. The people who don’t let it go are miserable and nobody wants to be around them. This is not a recipe for success.”
Perhaps most poignantly, Froio reminded students that life does move fast and finding joy and happiness is not something to be delayed for some point in the future.
“Don’t feed into the ‘I will be happy when’ idea,” Froio said. “I’ll be happy when I graduate. I’ll be happy when I finish college. I’ll be happy when I have kids. I’ll be happy when I retire. Life is a gift, squeeze everything out of it.”
Before moving to the conferring of the diplomas, the district took a moment for its Wall of Honor ceremony.
This year, Roxie Sherman, who has served in the district as a school nurse for 20 years and was retiring following the ceremony, was chosen as this year’s honoree.
Dave Schafer spoke about Sherman and all she has meant to the school.
Working in both the middle school and high school during her career, Schafer recalled Sherman has been more than just a nurse; she has been a friend, a confidant, a source of support, a shoulder to cry on and an avid supporter of the district and its students.
Schafer said whether through her tireless fundraising efforts or her just listening, Sherman was there with whatever students or staff needed.
Sherman was moved to tears by the recognition.
“I am the one who is honored,” Sherman said. “Know that I love all of you, past and present, like my own kids.”
Valedictorian Emily Kuehnle and salutatorian Abigail Gugel, have been life-long friends and have shared many experiences together and it was only fitting they delivered their speeches together.
Sharing the podium, the friends looked back on their friendship, recalling that when they were younger they had planned to spend the summer after they graduated riding their bikes across the country to California.
While they admitted they never really got too far in their planning of this journey, thinking about this led them to reflect on the experiences of their class and all they have accomplished.
They reflected on the students who have excelled in the classroom, in athletics, in the arts and on the stage, all 84 members of the class according to Kuehnle and Gugel, have accomplished a great deal and have the potential to accomplish anything, from college and careers to a bike ride across the country they put their minds and hearts to.
Froio summed up the emotional day.
Never forget where you came from,” Froio said. “And always stay humble and kind.”
Jason Gabak
The Jordan-Elbridge class of 2016.
