Life School is proud to announce the commencement exercises for the Class of 2012, which marks the ninth graduating class at Life School Oak Cliff and the second graduating class at Life School Red Oak. These students have embraced the “Life” culture of leadership and academic excellence; they are ready to enter into the next phase of their life by putting their leadership skills to the test.
Mr. Jim Morris, whose life story was told through the movie “The Rookie”, gave the congratulatory address at each commencement. He really encouraged the students to never give up on their dreams, look for dream makers and surround themselves with positive role models.
Life School Oak Cliff, the initial Life School campus, graduated 67 seniors with a graduation rate of 100%. Christopher Steven Saunders, the 2012 Salutatorian, congratulated his fellow classmates on their acceptance into their respective colleges and universities, as well as, gave special recognition to classmates that are enlisting in our armed forces. Aletha Charae Hill, the 2012 Valedictorian, encouraged her fellow classmates to embrace the beginning of a new challenge, full of opportunities; graduation is not the end, but the beginning of the next chapter in their lives.
Life School Red Oak, graduated 66 seniors with a graduation rate of 100%. William Franklin Morrison, the 2012 Salutatorian, highlighted how he overcame many obstacles throughout his academic career. In his speech he stated, “After today, we will not be graded on tests or projects; we will be graded on our proficiency and effort to succeed in the real world. And, if we do not do a good job, there will be consequences. I feel that Life School has taught us this lesson well.” He also encouraged all of his classmates to shoot for the moon, because if you miss you’ll still be heading for the stars. Catherine Hope Sumrow, the 2012 Valedictorian, engaged her fellow classmates by unfolding the story of their lives, with each individual being the main character and their story having a plot. She addressed how other characters in their story can impact their success. She concluded with the following quote from Dr. Seuss, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
Life School is extremely proud of these graduates and we know that they will exemplify the mission of Life School: “To train leaders with life skills for the twenty-first century by establishing strong
academics, character training, and a parenting program.”
