Commencement Speaker: The Love Is In You, Let It Out

The Class of 2011 ventured into the world with instructions to “let out” the love within.

Retired teacher James Cameron gave the commencement address Sunday to the 430-member graduating class. Cameron’s address was witty, political, nostalgic, playful and heartfelt. He quoted line after line from the 2003 Black Eyed Peas hit "Where is the Love?" It is a song that has followed the senior class up from their freshman year and that was recently used in the “Lip Dub” video that showcased the skills and talents of Saline students.

“Where is the love? Seniors, the love is within you,” Cameron announced, ending his address. “Let it out.”

Cameron’s speech playfully lampooned former Saline grads now in leadership roles in the district, including Superintendent Scot Graden, middle school Principal David Raft and Board of Education Trustee Craig Hoeft. Cameron used the platform to put forth a staunch defense of teachers.

"In the face of misguided and punitive attacks on teachers in Michigan by the governor and state Legislature, I would like to share with you some of the accomplishments of the Saline teachers," Cameron said before listing many of their achievements. “Seniors, I want you to remember your teachers for all the wonderful things that they have done. It is not an easy job. It is not an easy career."

Cameron, who said that being chosen as commencement speaker was his greatest professional accomplishment, then listed many of the accomplishments of Saline students. He noted the lip dub project and six state championships in athletics in the past two years.

Principal Ben Williams added to the list of accomplishments:

• This year there are nine national merit semifinalists and eight national merit finalists.

• 98 students graduated with highest honors.

• The Class of 2011 was the recipient of more than $95,000 in scholarships from 83 local scholarships and 31 contributors.

• 70 percent of the graduates will attend four-year universities and colleges. 23 percent will attend two-year educational programs. Others are attending skilled trades schools, joining the military and entering the workforce.

“Regardless of their destinations, the lessons they have learned while attending school, at home and in our community will serve them well as they face their future,” Williams said. “Saline High School is an institution where quality of work is the expectation, not the exception. The class of 2011 has maintained that level of excellence throughout their four years of high school.”

After the ceremony, a throng of people gathered in the high school’s hallways and outside the doors, exchanging hugs and snapping pictures.

Students were anxious to begin what comes next.

“(Graduating) means a lot. It means I’m moving forward and going on to the next big thing,” said Catherine Bernard, who will study business and physical therapy at Central Michigan University.

Bernard said the moment the graduates began dancing “The Macarena” struck her.

“It was like, this chapter is over. It was fun while it lasted,” she said.

Markus Hwang is going to Belmont University to study music business management, a field that he was drawn to during his tenure with the Saline Fiddlers. He said that graduating from high school had not hit him yet.

“We’ve been out for a week waiting for today, so we’ve been in an awkward in-between stage, and it hasn’t settled in,” Hwang said. “Now, after this, it’s really the official closing of this part of life. It’ll be a fun summer, and then it’s off to college.”

Hwang said he felt Saline Area Schools had prepared him well for the next step.

Nick Tillman is going to study graphic design and animation at Saginaw State University. He, too, feels prepared.

“I think I’ll do fine in college,” said Tillman, who was excited about graduating. “It was really sweet. I’m glad to be finished with high school. It really sunk in as we walked out to the stadium.”

Regina Damiani attended the ceremony to watch the graduation of her son, Joseph.

“We were thrilled for him. He’s our third and youngest, so this is a big day for our son and us as well,” Damiani said. “I think Saline High School has prepared him extremely well for the future, and we’re excited about today and the days to come.”