To the Weathersfield School Class of 2010

Good Evening and thank you for being here in support of our graduating class of 2010. It is a pleasure to be able to address you and the 12 outstanding young adults here with me on the stage tonight.

What a whirlwind ride over my 18 months in Weathersfield - 6 months turns into 12 months - which turns into 18 months, and with each additional    period of time I became more and more attached to the school, the faculty, and the community and without a doubt the students. Unfortunately all good things come to an end; my time at Weathersfield, the grade 8 student's time at the Weathersfield School and sadly this Saturday we all must say good bye to Mr. B.

Last Sunday I received a phone call informing me of Mario's passing. Even though we knew it was expected, the news was still devastating for those who knew him. Mario leaves behind a legacy of caring, humor, exceptional leadership skills and - I "cannot imagine" how many lives of families and students he touched in his 20 years at Weathersfield. Everyone needs to appreciate that he dedicated a majority of his professional career to the students and families of the Weathersfield Community. I certainly hope that you all will have the opportunity to attend the memorial service planned in his memory this Saturday at 2:00 right here in the gym.

From my prospective I remember meeting with Mario a year ago December about assuming the interim principals duties. I was newly retired, my soccer season was over - too quickly I might add - and my better half, my wife Alice was still teaching. I thought to myself, K-8, 200 students - from coming from school of 500 students - "piece of cake". I quickly realized that each school has its own unique challenges despite its size or grade levels.

I must mention that my steepest learning curve was the primary and intermediate school students. I was not used to being hugged by students or having 3-4 Kindergarten or 1^st grade students attached to each leg. I remember going home and saying to Alice - who was a primary/intermediate teacher "why do kids always hug you?" which was beyond my comfort zone at the time. Or "What's up with grade 5 boys and what in the world is up with grade 4 girls - Help! I am sure that some of you who watched the scenario unfold thought I handled it well - but behind the scenes - OH BOY!

Earlier this year I said to one of the 8^th graders - don't blink - because if you do your grade 8 year will be over, well here we are! What a ride we have had this year. You are a class that is diverse in your thinking, as talented as any grade 8 class with whom I have worked - with each and every one of you having your own very distinct personality and mind set. You are also a class that at other times can be stubborn and let small disagreements get in the way of true friendships. There is nothing that can describe middle school "DRAMA". But you all need to know that I will always remember you with you with a smile.

As of tomorrow you will be going in different directions - I hope you never forget your school and especially your classmates.

As many of you know I love music - probably not what you would like - but my closing comment for you comes from a song by one of my favorite artists - John Hiatt. No, I will not sing it for you!! I wish you a future filled with JOY, PEACE and a WHOLE LOTTA LIFE.

Thank you for enriching my life, I'll miss you.

Mr. Donald R. Hart