Cape Central principal addresses graduates; community members share memories at commencement

Graduates, parents and friends gathered at a Cape Central High School commencement ceremony where the school’s principal addressed the senior class and several community members shared personal memories of a staff member who has been closely involved with students.

The principal, identified in remarks as the principal of Cape Central High School, welcomed the class and faculty: "Graduates, parents, and friends of the Cape Central Senior High School class of 2020. It is my privilege as principal of Cape Central High School to join our senior class and our faculty and staff in welcoming you to commencement '20 '20 '1. To join our senior class and our faculty and staff in welcoming you to commencement 20 22. In welcoming you to commencement 20 23. To commencement 20 24 part 2." The principal later addressed the graduates' accomplishments, saying, "You have earned the right to be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished. You have earned the right to be lovingly celebrated by your family and friends. You have earned the right to move forward into the next season of your life."

A parent recalled long-term ties between students and the staff member, describing a classroom or office that once "was filled with balloons" and saying, "My kids grew up with her and being around her and everything. And 1 day we came in and her classroom was or her office was filled with balloons, like like, like, filled. And the kids were diving. Scott and Jenna were diving in it and then swimming in it and having fun, and she just laughed the whole time and just loved my kids from the beginning when she met them."

A school staff member recounted a lighter memory about the staff member's sense of humor and rapport with colleagues: "1 day, I wore my shirt inside out, and I didn't realize it until I had taught, like, 2 or 3 classes. And she blamed it on the fact that my wife was out of town at a conference and wasn't around to dress me and make sure I was ready for work."

Other speakers emphasized the staff member's engagement with students. One commenter said, "She really cares about our students. She's so kind. She's always got a smile on her face." Another added, "She's very engaged with the students at the high school," and noted "Having a smiling face greeting me every morning."

Remarks that described the staff member returning to a leadership role were also part of the comments. One speaker said, "My favorite memory is probably when she came back as the principal, and it was when well, that's when she came principal here as a head principal. And it was Yes. Gotta have Belle in there. Yes. And it was welcome back."

These remarks combined personal recollections and the principal's remarks to frame the ceremony as both a celebration of student achievement and a moment of community appreciation for school staff.

Less-critical logistical details such as the ceremony date, precise program order and the full list of speakers were not specified in the available transcript.