Schuyler Central High School

Principally Speaking

Would you believe me if I told you that it seems like this school year has just begun? Yet the calendar says that it is May! As I look back to the start of school in August it is hard to comprehend all of the activities and events that have taken place here at SCHS. Back then we were in the process of developing plans for events like NeSA assessments in April, which then seemed so far away, and now we are finished with the assessments for this year! If I had to pick one event that I would have never predicted that I would be involved with, (not just this year but probably EVER,) it was to be dressed up in full make-up as the drummer of the rock group KISS and lip syncing for the Homecoming pep rally! I will have to admit, it was fun. It has been a great year at a great school! There are a lot of factors that go into what makes a great school, but I believe a great school starts with great students and here are some thoughts directed toward the students at Schuyler Central High School.



To the Class of 2012: During your senior year you had deal with a new building principal. I want you to know that Mrs. Baumert spoke very highly of you all before I even had a chance to meet you. She put some high expectations on your shoulders and you delivered! Over the years, I have worked with many students who are ready to go out and begin the next phase of their lives. I have seen confidence as well as concern; those that have a goal in mind and those students that aren’t sure what the future will hold for them. I am going to tell you its O.K. either way! I have two pieces of advice for you. First, don’t ever think that you have to go it alone! We all have different support systems, some we are aware of, others, maybe not. My guess is that many of you haven’t thought of those of us here at SCHS as a support system, but we are. We don’t think of graduation as an end; we feel that it leads to new beginnings! You are always welcome to talk things through or bounce ideas off some of your ol’ teachers! My second piece of advice is don’t settle for average! What will you do that will separate you from the rest? If you settle for average, you’ll always have a big crowd around you and you will be waiting for someone to lead you. Instead, make the extra effort to rise above and be the one who will lead, the one others will turn to when times get difficult, because they will. When times do get difficult… refer to my first piece of advice… don’t ever think you have to go it alone! It is O.K. to seek help and guidance from others, strength and innovation is a product of collaboration.



To the underclassmen: No matter what grade you are now in, you have your mind on your senior year-that’s normal. My question to you is what is your plan to gain all that is possible to gain in the time you have left at SCHS? What is there to gain you ask? I will note two things - first would be the academic foundation to go on to the next level to prepare for ANY career you might choose! Challenge yourself and challenge your teachers to challenge you! It can be staggering to think about all of the career options you have available to you now, but it is the truth. Don’t settle for average; set an academic goal and track your progress toward that goal. The second is to set a goal to become more active in your school. I stated earlier that I thought great schools start with great students and one of the ways that is demonstrated is by how many students are involved. We have a lot of student involvement, but we can do better! Set a goal for next year to get involved in an activity or a sport that you were not part of this year. I can guarantee you that the new experience will cause you to think in new ways and you will meet others that you didn’t know had the same interests as you have. When you get involved in new things, you will be a little out of your comfort zone, but that is a good thing too; it sets the stage for you challenge your limits in the future. These are the best years of your lives… take advantage of the opportunities presented to you here at SCHS!



On May 20th we will honor the Class of 2012! On behalf of the faculty and staff of Schuyler Central High School, I would like to wish all of you the best of luck in the future! Take time to celebrate your accomplishment; then set your sights on your next goal in life!