Monday, May 21, 2018

President Finn's Message to the Class of 2018

Welcome to our Faculty, Administrators, staff, Parents, Families and of course to the Graduating Students.  Thank you for supporting our students at this year's commencement ceremony.   I am proud and honored today to represent the Hudson School Board of Education in celebrating our Graduates and offering some encouraging words as you look to your future.  

Over the years with great community support these graduates have provided countless hours of volunteer service, provided leadership to our younger students, earned district, state and national recognition awards not only in a variety of sports but also in vocal performances, instrumental music, journalism, FFA, model UN, National History Day and LEGO League to name a few.  As a result these young people have become emerging Leaders, Collaborators, Problem Solvers, Creators & Innovators.

The significance of graduation rates cannot be underestimated. One of the fist questions on any application is do you have a High School Diploma or GED?  A High School Diploma is a key milestone for future success, regardless of your next pathway.  It is easy to become complacent when Hudson has had so many years of 98% or greater graduation rates.  But it is more than just graduation rates. It takes effort in many areas of college and career readiness especially in areas of math and reading. A result of consistent efforts by our educators, the recently released US News and World Report on Education ranked Hudson 21st in the State of Iowa! In addition,  Hudson was recognized Nationally at the Bronze level placing Hudson in the top 30% of schools in the Nation.  Not bad for a small town in IOWA!! 

I am reminded of quote from one of our great American Leaders, Teddy Roosevelt,...“there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” 

Graduates, where will you go?  What will you do? How will you make a difference?

I challenge you to DARE GREATLY as the precious Treasure and Pride of Hudson.

DARE GREATLY Class of 2018!! 

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