Local students attend inaugural events

Tori Ryan (left) and J.D. Roger (right) attended the Youth Inaugural events with Oakmont Assistant Principal David Uminski. Courtesy Photo

Three local students participated in the Youth Inaugural festivities at Gov. Deval Patrick's inaugural events on Jan. 4.

J.D. Roger of Ashburnham and Tori Ryan of Westminster, both juniors at Oakmont were accompanied by David Uminski, assistant principal, while Justin Seppala, a freshman at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School from Ashby, was accompanied by Katie Schmidt, a history teacher.

The event held for high school students from across the commonwealth was focused on civic engagement. Ron Bell, a Patrick aide, hosted the proceedings. He urged all students to "use their talents and skills to shape your life and those around you."

Patrick then engaged the students in a dialogue about community service and civic responsibility. He urged students to get involved, "starting one thing often leads to other things. . . it is important to try something . . . be in action, move, and adjust as you go."

Patrick said that education is about the whole child-after school enrichment programs are just as important as what happens during the school day. He thanked every teacher for lighting a spark in every student who walks into his or her classroom.

He ended the discussion with a quote from Benjamin Mays, the late president of Moorhouse College, "Not failure, but low aim is sin."

- Submitted to The Journal