LIVERPOOL – Be productive. Be vocal. Be tolerant. Be just. Make a difference in the world.
Those “Campbell-isms” - or words of wisdom - came from guest speaker and longtime educator Leo Campbell at Liverpool Regional High School’s 2018 graduation ceremony June 28.
School principal Jeanie Rhodenizer welcomed a full gymnasium of people to the ceremony.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome parents, family members, school staff, dignitaries, invited guests, and most importantly, the reason why we’re gathered here tonight, the graduating class of 2018,” she said.
Rhodenizer thanked the Liverpool Regional High School Jazz Band for providing music during the ceremony. She also took a moment to celebrate Jackie Leonard.
“Ms. Leonard has served our school with tireless dedication, and tonight marks her retirement after 39 years in the teaching profession,” she said.
Applause erupted through the gymnasium as people stood to acknowledge Leonard’s work.
Guest speaker
Campbell, now retired, began his career of teaching at the Mill Village Consolidated School. From there, he moved to South Queens Junior High School (now South Queens Middle School). He also taught at Liverpool Regional High School for six years before returning to the junior high to begin his role in administration.
“This class is very important to me. This class, along with my staff, broke ground in the education department down at the old middle school,” Campbell said. “You guys helped us start a foundation down there that’s continuing today.”
In his advice to graduates to be productive, Campbell said many people work in jobs they hate. He encouraged students to find something they’re good at and make a career doing something they enjoy.
Be vocal in a positive way, said Campbell.
“It’s important to be vocal. You have a voice,” he said.
In speaking about tolerance, Campbell stressed the importance of being accepting of others. He said it’s critical to appreciate people’s feelings and varied backgrounds.
After encouraging graduates to be just, Campbell told students they have to make a difference in the world.
“What you have to do is go out and prove that today’s youth is just as important, is just as strong and can do just as good a job as the people who served you,” said Campbell. “Today’s youth is our future and, ladies and gentlemen, as far as I’m concerned, judging from what we see here, our future is in very good shape.”
Approximately 100 students crossed the stage to collect their diplomas.
