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grolfe
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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 04:04 pm |
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By Glenn Rolfe
Leader & State Register
BRIDGEVILLE – Former – and beloved – Woodbridge High School teacher Rita Hovermale returned to her alma mater Sunday, planting seeds for the Blue Raider Class of 2009.
Her wish featured a twist
“My wish for your something is something little different. I wish for you some hardships, some disappointments and a failure or two,” said Mrs. Hovermale, former Family & Consumer Science teacher at Woodbridge who was Delaware’s 2004 Teacher of the Year. “Not that I don’t want you to succeed, but only through hardship and failure will you truly find your real self.
“But you have an edge. You are fortunate to be a part of the Woodbridge family,” said Mrs. Hovermale, who offered the class her revised Woodbridge version of the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” “You ready to go. You’re ahead of the pack. And always be proud of that ‘W’ on your back.”
A 1975 Woodbridge graduate, Mrs. Hovermale – now an educational associate with Delaware’s Department of Education – was guest speaker at June 7 commencement during which 98 of the 100 Class of 2009 members received diplomas.
More than half of the class is bound for college. Many are going to Del Tech, and there is one Ivy Leaguer – salutatorian Jose Oyola, bound for Cornell. He thanked family, friends and teachers for the support.
“Some of us will be leaving the nest pretty soon. The support we that we have received from parents, family and friends has given us the strength to take on any obstacles that lie ahead,” said Jose. “When our minds and bodies fail, our soul will keep moving forward.
There are so many memories that will carry us throughout our lives, and the best ones start at Woodbridge. Always remember the times we had here, at the best school in Delaware.”
Valedictorian Melody Gray noted the impact of four years of high school.
“Each of us been affected in some way during our time here at Woodbridge High School whether we like to admit or not,” Melody said. “Let your instinct, your intellect and your heart guide you. The start of something new brings the hope of something great.”
Woodbridge High School Principal Robert Adams said the Class of 2009 raised the bar in all aspects.
“They are the ones that took things to the next level. We started a couple of programs a couple years ago, like ag mechanics. This year they placed in the state. Our golf team won a match this year. We had 59 AP tests taken last year; 122 this year,” said Mr. Adams. “That’s all you can ask of any class – improvement.”
“Each and every person here is very proud of you,” said Woodbridge Superintendent Dr. Kevin E. Carson. “You have chosen to complete this portion of your life’s journey. Your drive to succeed makes you a member of one of our largest graduating classes.”
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
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