LIBERTY TWP. — Preparing for their last moments with classmates, Badin High School Principal Frank Margello advised the Class of 2009 to look around the room.
“Take in the last precious moments of this wonderful experience we call high school,” Margello told graduates Friday, May 29. “I will remember the Class of 2009 with great fondness. I would like you to remember that in the last four years you have made you mark on Badin High School and that you have left me with a cadre of memories that I won’t soon forget.”
Of the 138 members of the class, 58 earned academic scholarships and grants totaling $5 million.
Ben Motley and Matt Roesch were co-valedictorians.
“Just as we stand at a crossroads in our lives the world is in a crossroad,” Motley said. “The world faces challenges now that were literally unheard of when our parents graduated.
“I believe that we are particularly equipped to help our community, our country and the world in which we live using the tools we’ve developed in the last four years.
“Our unity as a faith community will serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished when people are selfless and single-minded in a goal of prosperity for all.”
Roesch told classmates not to fear their potential, but to embrace it.
“To truly serve God and do yourself justice meet every challenge with vigor and allow your talents to fully manifest themselves,” he said. “When you get to the gates of heaven and God asks, ‘How was it?’ Do not timidly respond, ‘How was what?’
“Stand tall, tell him of all the wonderful experiences that you had and show him all the good you have done in the world and respond with a decisive, ‘It was remarkable.’ ”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.
