DAVIS, WV – Instructors, administration, family and distinguished guests gathered at the Kenneth “Honey” Rubenstein Center gymnasium reently to celebrate 14 high school graduates from the Rubenstein Center School.
Awards were given out for all subject areas in the Rubenstein Center School: TASC Option pathway, Social Studies, English, Science and Math. The Rubenstein Center School also offers three career and technical education programs and awards were given in each of those areas as well. In the subjects of Building Construction, Automotive Technology and Welding, national certifications were given to students, including ASE, NCCER and OSHA.
After the award ceremony concluded, the graduates made their appearance in caps and gowns. Principal JR Helmick welcomed the graduates and afterwards one of the graduates came on stage and delivered a class address. He spoke to his classmates of taking pride in achieving their high school diploma and wished them the best in life. He encouraged them to keep on going, no matter the obstacles life places in their path.
The keynote speaker for the event was the West Virginia University’s 65th Mountaineer Mascot, Trevor Kiess. Kiess is a native of Tucker and Randolph Counties. His speech to the graduates instilled the importance of hard work and determination. Kiess shared a personal story about determination and “keeping your butt in the seat” in reference to his journey to becoming the Mountaineer. Kiess also spoke about the crossroads of life and how it is important to take the path of determination and the “high road” compared to the alternative of bitterness and hate. As always, he ended with a cheerful, “Let’s Go Mountaineers!”
The presentation of diplomas was done by Rubenstein Center Superintendent Dan Dilly, Rubenstein Center School Principal JR Helmick and School Counselor Tim Turner. Dilly said “It’s a very rewarding experience to see these young men earn their diplomas. Many of them struggled in their home community schools but are able to excel within the Rubenstein Center’s program. This is a testament to the great work of the WV Department of Education and the staff of the Rubenstein Center.” The students were declared graduates by Jacob Green, Superintendent of the Office of Diversion and Transition Programs.
The ceremony ended with cheers and clap offerings from all in attendance. Rubenstein Center School principal JR Helmick said, “Graduation was a very special day at the Rubenstein Center. It is such a joy to see the students and families celebrating their accomplishments. One of our goals at Rubenstein Center School is to equip students with the tools necessary to transition them into the workforce successfully.”
