Math Instructor Addresses “Special” Class

Trenton High School math teacher John Cowling encouraged seniors to follow their own paths and “don’t settle” as they prepare for their future during Wednesday night’s baccalaureate ceremonies at the First Baptist Church.
Cowling, whose son, Isaiah Swann, is a member of the senior class, talked about his experiences with class members, many of whom spent lot of time at the Cowling home as they were growing up. Cowling noted that the Class of 2014 “initiated” him as a parent and said he learned that “I always have to be on my toes.”
He said that it was this particular class that made him realize his love for teaching and that the personalities of the individual members is what makes this class so special.
“So special that I decided to follow them to high school after having them in eighth grade,” he said.
Cowling talked about the “successful run” of the 2014 senior class – the awards that were won and the honors received both in the classroom and on the field. That recognition, he said, shows the “tremendous work ethic” of the class members, which he said he believes will carry on as they continue the next phase of their lives.
“You’ve worked hard these last four years, spending time both inside and outside the classroom,” he said. “As parents we talk about how things were for us when we were your age – walking to school 10 miles in three feet of snow in September. Not being able to use the computer because we didn’t have it. But I don’t ever remember being as busy as these students are. And that is a compliment to them in how hard they work.”
Cowling also talked about the stress parents face while raising their children and watching them grow into adults.
“It’s stressful, whether you’re raising one child or four children. If you have a child, life can be hectic,” he said. “But as a parent, seeing the accomplishment and your children reaching milestones, it makes it all worthwhile. So students, if your parents give you that little extra hug or hold on a litte tighter, it’s just because they want to hold on a little bit longer before they let you go. The best thing you can do for us is to live happy lives…
“The great thing about this journey you are about to take is what lies ahead,” Cowling continued. “The possibilities are endless. Each of you have different abilities and you all have something to offer.”
Cowling gave special mention to those class members who are entering the work place following graduation.
“There are those of you who won’t be going to college, but instead will be entering the workforce,” he said. “My challenge to you is ‘don’t settle.’ Find what you want to do and then do it.”
He concluded by stating that not only will family members miss them as they go on with their lives, teachers at Trenton will miss them as well. He went on to say that baccalaurate and graduation will be the last two events in which all class members will ever be together again.
“Graduates, have a great time,” he said. “You are ending one chapter and another one is beginning. Take time to appreciate what you have together. Many new doors are opening.”
Cowling finished his speech with a quote from Apple founder Steve Jobs:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Cowling was introduced by his son, Isaiah, who also sang a duet with classmate Clinton Brenner, “Go Light Your World.” Other special music included a trumpet solo by Jacob Marlay, “All of Me” and senior Goldrush members, who sang “Friends.” Melanie Rodriguez played the prelude and Kaitlin Feagins played the postlude. Others class members participating were Hayley Mathews, Chris Kurtz, Cassidy Cotton and Daniel Hixson.
Graduation for members of theTHS senior class will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the Ketcham Community Center.