Presentations benefit students, community

I’m not sure who to compliment this time. Should it be the hard-working teachers or the amazing group of seniors currently set on track to graduate in June?

To begin, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to judge a senior project presentation last Thursday night. If you don’t know what the projects are, sadly, you’re not alone. It, like many things that go into our school, is a graduation requirement that some government department dreamt up between the state of sleeping and awake. But like the many things that come out of our school, the administration and teachers challenged the seniors to go beyond the standard.

Each of the 14 seniors had to pick a project that would either influence a positive change in the community or in the school itself. The project also had to be substantial enough to support 30 hours of planning and execution. After days of contemplation, and then ultimately choosing their project, the students had to find a mentor. The mentor could have been a staff or community member that the students found to be in line with the goals of the project. The students then used the mentor to bounce ideas off of and find solutions with.

Now let’s jump to Thursday night. As I said, I was asked to judge one of the presentations. Of course, I had no idea what I was doing. The student I was asked to judge was scheduled for 6 pm. I decided to get off work early and head up at 4:30 to watch the first presentations given.

When I walked into the multipurpose room, I walked onto a stage of 14 presentation desks, 28 chairs and a blend of four years of best works from each student in his or her respective three-ring binder. I came to find that every half hour, two seniors would present to their judging panel made up of the mentor and a staff or community member.

As the first two seniors started presenting, I found myself in somewhat of a dumbfounded coma. I couldn't believe the execution of the presentations. I was there 10 minutes early; I saw the students shaking from nerves. But as soon as the presentation started, they were cool, collected and elegant. Did I mention impressive!? I had to stay for more. Each presentation after that was set to the same calibration of excellence. I found myself pacing back and fourth between the two presenters every half hour. I was amazed with our seniors. I was amazed how organized and prepared they were. I was amazed how well they could speak. I was amazed how thought out and detailed their projects had been. Now, I’m more amazed at myself for having had any doubt.

I didn’t get out of that gym till 8:30. I had a hard time justifying going home to watch TV when the wealth of information and skill was, well, probably more entertaining to watch. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed when I finally got home, though. I was included in a small handful of witnesses for the event. I understand that it was the first year, and I commend Mrs. Whitmore for the time and energy she put in. Let'’s call it a dry run to the future of academic presentations. Next year, I encourage each and every community member to come to the school and watch at least one presentation. I’m sure you will be as amazed as I was.

You’re wondering about the projects themselves, aren't you? When you visit the school, recycle your plastic bottles in a box marked with the face of Kermit the Frog and a slogan reading “It’s easy being Green.” When you go shoot trap, notice that the gun club looks high class and professional. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as the club does. When you step onto the baseball field to play with your children, recognize the business advertisements stretched around the bases. It brings a new life to the field as well as a new level of support. I gave you three. Have you noticed the other 11?

The skill set that the school strives to teach along with the hard work and dedication that the students must teach themselves, will make them into the best global citizens that our community will be proud of. I, for one, have run out of doubt.