The turning of the tassels Thursday night at the Everett Events Center marked the end of a long and sometimes frustrating journey for the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Class of 2004. Enduring the longest teacher strike in our state’s history last fall, this graduating class learned lessons that extended far beyond the classroom – lessons that can’t be found in any well-worn textbook.
As the business of education was delayed for 49 days – it only resumed under a court order – the grueling strike polarized the community. Families were caught in the middle of an enormous power struggle between the district and the teachers’ union.
Fortunately, there was little evidence of the strike at the traditional graduation-related activities this year, as parents, students, teachers and community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of this remarkable collection of young men and women.
Whatever the future holds for these young adults, it’s certain they’ve already passed a serious test of their resiliency. Moreover, they’ve learned one of life’s most critical lessons: You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can always control how you respond to them.
Many adults still haven’t learned this. But these students proved they can focus on a goal and see it through to the end, even when obstacles are thrown in their path that threaten to ruin everything they worked so hard to achieve. Later in life, they’ll be able to look back and remember how they triumphed when unforeseen frustrations seem insurmountable. And if they apply the same lesson, their lives will be a success no matter what goals and careers they pursue.
Congratulations to Marysville’s Class of 2004.
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