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Kaine meets with Park View grads
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:04 PM EDT
By Lisa Andrews, Staff Writer
SOUTH HILL - Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine arrived via helicopter in South Hill Friday, June 6 to speak with the Park View High School 2008 graduating class. As Kaine exited the helicopter Mecklenburg County Public School Superintendent Helen Hill, Park View High School Principal Ben Taylor, and Sheriff Danny Fox greeted him.
Kaine entered the gymnasium and greeted the graduates verbally and by shaking many of their hands. He then stood with them to have their photo taken to remember this occasion. The 159 graduates were dressed in their caps and gowns.
Park View High School Student Government President Timothy Siverd introduced Kaine. Siverd also attended The Governor's School in Emporia.
Siverd gave a brief overview of Kaine's political and personal life. The governor then spoke with the graduates for about 30 minutes.
The governor will only be speaking to two graduating classes this year: Park View High School and his own son's high school graduating class at Maggie Walker High School.
Kaine began by saying, "What a special occasion." He spoke of the memories a diploma can bring now and later in life, including good things and difficult challenges.
"This is a time of tremendous personal accomplishments," he said.
Kaine said he received a letter about Jean Clary-Bagley and Carl Bagley, owners of Century 21 Clary and Associates in South Hill, which has been the corporate sponsor of the 2008 graduating class since most of them were in kindergarten.
"Boy, if we had more people and companies like these guys," said Kaine, "there would be no stopping us."
"We live in some challenging times," said Kaine. "I don't recall a time that is as challenging as this." He briefly spoke of the economy and the energy challenges.
"We need people to be concerned about the future," said Kaine. "Our state, our country, our world, has some challenges."
"What is best about you," said Kaine, "is your optimism. My mother taught me - if you want to be right in life be a pessimist; if you want to do right in life then be an optimist."
Kaine commented that the large number of young people who have been registering to vote in record numbers has made him optimistic.
He praised Sen. Hillary Clinton on her run for the Democratic Presidential nomination. He also recognized the historic moments which have occurred in the race between Clinton and Sen. Barrack Obama and spoke of the history they have both already made.
The students asked many questions of Kaine, including whether he would be seeking the slot of Obama's vice presidential running mate. He said he was not interested in that position but would be there to support Obama. "I just don't think that is going to happen," said Kaine, "He is going to make the decision that he thinks is best.....I think the best way to help him is to just work right here in Virginia."
Park View Ben Taylor asked about how general funding, educational funding, and transportation funding may be affected in the coming years.
Kaine said he thought they should be kept separate. He pointed out the increase in funding to education this year. He said he does not want to take away from education or health care funding.
Kaine was asked by a student what he would be doing after his term is over. He said he is considering going into non-profit work or work in the educational system.
He was asked about what others who want to go into politics should do in order to get there. He suggested a person should have a career and let it develop into the political arena instead of jumping into politics without having other experiences.
"I benefited in a weird way by getting into politics and not wanting to go into politics," said Kaine, "I had a lot of views that weren't politics when I started; they were real world ideas."
This special event was made possible through the efforts of Jean Clary-Bagley and Carl Bagley, owners of Century 21 Clary and Associates in South Hill.
Century 21 Clary has been the corporate sponsor of the 2008 graduating class since most of them were in kindergarten. They sponsored the class through the CARES (Children Are Really Extra Special) Program.
The program has mentored the students, providing everything from pens and pencils to presents as rewards for achievements and organizing career-day programs.
The program has been instrumental in the lives of these students; providing them with life experiences and opportunities well beyond the typical corporate sponsor.
Jean Clary-Bagley said that the work was done as a team. She said her Staff Executive Carole Bowman, Sharon Johnson and her entire staff were instrumental over the years.
Taylor introduced Jean Bagley by saying, "We are here to celebrate accomplishments of our young people."
Bagley congratulated the class and thanked the parents and her staff. Addressing the students, she said, "You can be anything you want to be. We thank your parents." All the students stood and clapped for their parents.
"We will be following you," said Bagley, "We have been so blessed."
She said the Virginia College Savings Plan had partnered with them to bring the opportunities for scholarships to Southside Virginia Community College. Suzy Rohler with the savings plan organization announced that there was a "savings master trust set up with them and that over $50,000 has been contributed." Rohler said as of Friday that the account balance is almost $64,000.
"I want to thank everyone in this room," said Rohler, "for their hard work and dedication."
She said that the entire graduating class was invited to be special guests of the Richmond Braves baseball team and that Jean Bagley would have the honor of throwing out the first ball. This date has not been set as of press time.
Bagley said that another one of the partners for this journey was Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) and Dr. John Cavan. Due to a family emergency Cavan was unable to be present. He sent Dr. John Sykes of SVCC Christanna campus to speak to the graduates.
"What a great day this has been," said Sykes. He acknowledged those who have taken dual enrollment classes. He also encouraged them to further their education.
"I think the mentoring aspect is more important than the money," Sykes said. "Emotional support is important."
Bill Wells from the Gideon's International was also present and brought each graduate a New Testament bible.
"We want to congratulate you, Class of 2008," said Wells. "We wish you all the best."
The graduates presented the Bagleys with gifts: a plaque thanking them for their dedication, a spray of flowers, and a year book.
Taylor thanked Julia McInturf for all her hard work in putting the awards program together.
Senior Jessica Whitehouse commented on the governor's visit before his arrival. "I think it's pretty neat," she said. "No other class has had this prestigious of a guest speaker; makes me feel special." Whitehouse will be attending SVCC to become a child care or social worker.
Senior Justin Cunningham said, "I think this is pretty significant. I have never met anyone this high up in the political arena." Cunningham is going to SVCC to study Criminal Justice.
Senior Abby Mills said, "I am really excited. It is pretty neat how he is coming to our school." Mills said she is going to Radford University to study speech therapy and has plans of returning to Mecklenburg County to work.
Senior Stuart Wright said, "I am thankful that Ms. Bagley and Century 21 gave us this opportunity. They have helped us though schools and have given us a future." Wright will be attending James Madison University to study business and play baseball. |
