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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2017)
10A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL JUNE 14, 2017 Kennedy High School seniors earn diplomas, GEDs Megan Minson was told she would not be cmay@cgsentinel.com able to graduate with the class of 2017. On Satur- day, she gave a speech on behave of her Kennedy High School classmates during commencement. Fighting back tears, Minson thanked the teachers that shaped her high school career, instilled in her life lessons and welcomed her with open arms. Because, that’s Kennedy. Thirty-one students settled into the new De- light Valley Gymnasium—what will become the permanent home for future Kennedy students be- ginning next term—in front of friends and family. Kennedy’s class of 2017 worked two jobs, raised children, persevered through hardships and began college and careers armed with GEDs and high school diplomas. “They’re mechanics and Youtube creators,” Kennedy Principal Mike Ingman told the crowd, “And we couldn’t be more proud of them.” Kennedy, which recently dropped the “Alter- native” from its offi cial name, educates students who thrive outside of the traditional classroom. Students like Minson who’s husband is in the Army and others like Hayden Walker who found Cottage Grove High School counter productive to his learning experience. Work credits, alternative schedules and pro- grams geared towards GED credits and tradition- al high school credits are offered throughout the year to students who opt out of Cottage Grove High School. Like the school itself, Kennedy’s graduation ceremony is unique. By Caitlyn May The presentation of the class skips the gener- ic wave toward the crowd and instead focuses on each individual students. Teachers and faculty line up to introduce a handful of students they have had personal interactions with throughout the school year. They speak to the students’ passions and hobbies, their plans and struggles all through tear strained voices and calls for tissue. After a personalized congratulations and a hug, students cross the podium and receive their diplomas. Saturday’s ceremony also included distribution of scholarships presented by community leaders including South Lane School Board President Sherri Duerst-Higgins who was in attendance with superintendent Krista Parent, board member Tammy Hodgkinson, board member Gary Mort and Kennedy faculty. Thousands of dollars were awarded to Kennedy students from the Cottage Grove Foundation, Masonic Lodge, Board of Re- altors, College Night Oregon, South Lane Cooks Association, Kiwanis, Gear Up, Turn Around and OYCC. To close out a morning dedicated to the unique students that inhabited Kennedy’s home on Taylor Ave. for the last time, there was a song. While other high school graduates funnel out of their ceremonies to “Pomp and Circumstance,” Kennedy students do it a little differently. Staff members David Heritage, Danny Henson and Matt Hall took their positions at the head of the gymnasium, instruments in hand and played the students off. Each verse a personalized tribute to the student and the hope that, as Minson urged in her speech, that they would change the world. Kennedy High School students tun their tassle from one side to the other after being presented as graduates from the class of 2017 on Saturday, June 10. Are you ready? D ISASTER P REPAREDNESS CGPD offers tips on how to stay safe this summer trians. As a bicyclist; yield to pedestrians, stay to the right of the path and when passing call out "on your left" and pass safely, use marked bike paths or multi-use paths when available, obey vehicular traffi c signals and laws on the roadway, use extra caution as you transition between bike paths-road-sidewalks and if there is a bike lane use it. As a driver; yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (failure to do so can result in a presumptive fi ne of $260) and at intersections as soon they intend/begin to enter the crosswalk be prepared to stop, be alert of bicyclists-skateboarders-chil- dren-animals-elderly, come to a complete stop at multi-lane roads 30 feet before crosswalks, when turning at a signal make sure the pedestrian clears your lane plus 6 feet of the next lane before you can proceed, at any other crosswalk the pedestrian needs to clear your lane plus the next lane before you can proceed and never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slow- ing down at a crosswalk. Each month Community Service Offi cer, Cherie Nelson of the Cottage Grove Police Department will contribute an article on prevention and safety. If there is a topic that you would like more informa- tion on please contact her at cnelson@cgpolice.org WANTED! LIVE Yellow Jacket & Hornet Nests FREE REMOVAL ALK Source Materials A s the summer months approach, families will be- gin to fl ock to the streets, bike paths and play- grounds but as a commu- nity we need to be aware of our surroundings. So when it comes to the rules/laws of crosswalks/ bike paths, do you really know what is expected or required of you? As a pe- destrian; always cross at marked crosswalks, stay to the right of the path to allow others to safely pass especially cyclists, obey any pedestrian signals and look left-right-left, if a vehicle approaches make eye contact, look before walking by stopped vehicles and remember bicyclists are not gener- ally considered pedes- freebeenestremoval.com Comprehensive family, medical eyecare and optical services 541-510-0191 Insects used for Life Saving Vaccines 8x8x6 $9.99 Cataract exams • Glaucoma exams • Lasik exams • Diabetic exams Serving Cottage Grove Community since 2006 Welcome new patients Offi ce hours: Monday thru Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-4 257 N. 8th St. • 541-942-5000 www.PCVI.com LANDSCAPE AND BUILDING MATERIALS Open 7 days a week! 7919 N. River Road 541-942-4664 Make sure all the pieces are in place to render you and your family prepared in the event of a natural disaster. • Listen to radio or television newscasts for the latest weather information, and follow all evacuation directions and suggestions. • Keep a stock of non-perishable food items as well as bottled water on hand inside your home. • Keep a 72 Hour Kit on hand inside your home that is easy to get to in the event of a disaster. For more information and tips on disaster response and preparedness, contact your local emergency services center. South Lane Fire & Rescue • 233 Harrison Ave, Cottage Grove 541-942-4493 • 55 South 1st Street, Creswell 541-895-2506 Twitter: @southlanefi re Facebook: southlanecountyfi reandrescue
