MONROE - They may have all taken different routes, but six students stood proudly at the Monroe Alternative Charter School graduation Friday.
Graduates Brandy Luebke and Kayla Radloff spoke about the similarities and differences in the seven students who made up the class of 2008.
"Even though we may look the same now, it is our differences that make us who we are," they said in their joint speech. "We believe that each of us is valuable and has something worthwhile to contribute to society."
They said the graduates and those who still attend need a school that is different from the traditional high school.
"We needed a school where everyone gets along regardless of difference," they said. "We needed teachers who had time to help each of us. We found that at the charter school."
Some students at the charter school would have dropped out if they hadn't been able to attend an alternative school setting.
"We value our families, our friendships and our teachers," they said.
They also value their futures and the goals they hope to achieve after graduation.
Family and friends celebrated with the students as they crossed the stage and accepted their diplomas from Monroe superintendent Larry Brown.
Jeff Bakken, teacher at the charter school, paid tribute to the late Dan Bauer, who helped establish the school. He died in November.
"Dan Bauer told me the charter school would be like a second home to the students and he was right," Bakken said. "Without Dan, who I know is watching us, without his vision and love for kids, we wouldn't be here tonight."
Graduates were Kory Bauer, Courtney Belke, Matt Daly, Casey Fiorucci, Riley Henning, Luebke and Radloff.
Graduates Brandy Luebke and Kayla Radloff spoke about the similarities and differences in the seven students who made up the class of 2008.
"Even though we may look the same now, it is our differences that make us who we are," they said in their joint speech. "We believe that each of us is valuable and has something worthwhile to contribute to society."
They said the graduates and those who still attend need a school that is different from the traditional high school.
"We needed a school where everyone gets along regardless of difference," they said. "We needed teachers who had time to help each of us. We found that at the charter school."
Some students at the charter school would have dropped out if they hadn't been able to attend an alternative school setting.
"We value our families, our friendships and our teachers," they said.
They also value their futures and the goals they hope to achieve after graduation.
Family and friends celebrated with the students as they crossed the stage and accepted their diplomas from Monroe superintendent Larry Brown.
Jeff Bakken, teacher at the charter school, paid tribute to the late Dan Bauer, who helped establish the school. He died in November.
"Dan Bauer told me the charter school would be like a second home to the students and he was right," Bakken said. "Without Dan, who I know is watching us, without his vision and love for kids, we wouldn't be here tonight."
Graduates were Kory Bauer, Courtney Belke, Matt Daly, Casey Fiorucci, Riley Henning, Luebke and Radloff.