March 31, 2015 (Album) - The Seniors Who Make a Difference banquet was held Monday night, March 30, 2015 at the John D. Windham Civic Center
Debora Chadwick welcomed everyone and said, "I always look forward to this special event. We have a room full of outstanding individuals: high school seniors, teachers, parents, administrators, and community leaders. I am always proud of these students who are honored at this event." Chadwick finished saying, "Congratulations to you all. You all are twelve seniors selected by the faculty as individuals who have truly made a positive difference in the lives of others at Center High School and I know without a doubt you will continue to make a positive difference throughout your lives."
Center ISD Superintendent, Dr. James Hockenberry addressed the students saying, "Tonight is my favorite night of the school year and I think when its over and many of you have been in here before as teachers, some of you have had siblings and parents you have been here. This is a very meaningful and special night and it inspires the educators to keep doing the work that they do."
Tim Norman, Center High School Principal announced the twelve selected seniors and their chosen teachers who were Christopher Caudle and teacher Nic Wheeler, Elizabeth Chadwick and teacher Virginia Fischer, Tory Davis and teacher Ruby Woodard, Rylee Hudspeth and teacher Leean McGraw, Jessica Johnson and teacher Michael Elder, Taighen Mathews and teacher Jenny Cassell, Riley Jo Mitchell and teacher Kathy Camp, Alec Lucas and teacher Brittany Hall, Adam Reeves and teacher Leon Dykes, Vanessa Renteria and teacher Pamela Franklin, Kaleth Salazar and teacher Kara Gregory, and Brianna Suell and teacher Doug Moore.
The students and the teachers each gave a speech sharing with all attending what attributes the other possessed which has made an impact on their lives. Many used humor and shared tales of the past to recount their experiences; others spoke completely from the heart sharing the changes in their life. Many were commended for their compassion, motivation to be better, understanding, encouragement, and more.
Following each heart felt exchange, the twelve students were presented baskets with items to help them along their journey with the theme for the night "Oh, the Places We'll Go." Each basket contained a copy of the Dr. Seuss book with a special note inside to them written by their chosen teacher.
An analogy used by the last teacher to speak, Doug Moore, which pulled the heart strings of all - Teaching is like having a handful of fireflies and when you get through, you let them go. If you have done a decent enough job and haven't killed any of them, they fly up and become stars in the heaven. Early on as you are teaching you watch them go but as you teach longer it starts getting crowded up there with all of the stars. But there are always those bright stars up there who are always brighter than the others. That is what this room is full of tonight, stars which are brighter than the rest and they have a special place in your heart.
Those mentioned and thanked for making the event possible was Debora Chadwick who organizes the event, Alease Copelin for her assistance, Rotary Club of Center for sponsoring the dinner, Southwest Food Services for also sponsoring the event by providing the meal, and Mrs. Jessica Shadix's Floral Design and Agri-Business class for providing the arrangements on the tables.
