VALEDICTORY

 

 

 

by School boardmember Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte - from her monthly newsletter

val·e·dic·to·ry

n. pl. val·e·dic·to·ries

A closing or farewell statement or address, especially one delivered at graduation exercises.

adj.

Of, relating to, or expressing a valedictory.

- The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

This June, more than 20,000 students will graduate from LAUSD schools.

Each will celebrate in his or her own way, along with teachers, family and friends. Some will feel a sense of relief, maybe as a result of a less than committed academic performance. Others will view this graduation as one milestone in preparation for the next. Some students reached this point despite unstable living conditions, financial hardships or the loss of a parent, guardian or sibling on whom they depended. And, many did so in a quiet, unassuming way.

One such student is Tyki Nelworth, [photo, right from LA Times] who despite homelessness, excelled in AP classes, participated in three sports, served as Student Body President, graduated with honors from Washington Preparatory High School and will attend the West Point Military Academy on scholarship this fall.

Tyki symbolizes the countless LAUSD students who refused to let life’s circumstances get in the way of high academic performance and the possibility of a college education. We should applaud and encourage all of the Tykis of this district who continue to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their goals.