Richard Milburn Academy Valedictorian Shares Dr. Seuss’ Sage Advice

By Dennis Culver
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Download Reprint (PDF 193 KB)

Richard Milburn Academy had a small 2012 graduating class of 21 students this morning at Dunbar High School, but that didn’t stop the more than 100 family and friends who attended the 10 a.m. graduation ceremony to enthusiastically clap and cheer as the small group of graduates made their way into the school’s auditorium.

Valedictorian Alex Hanco said during her address to the crowd and fellow graduates that Richard Milburn Academy gave her and her fellow students a chance at success.

“Before I came to Richard Milburn Academy, I couldn’t imagine going to college and pursuing a career,” she said. “I was a failing student with no direction.”

Hanco said the teachers and staff at the academy helped her strive for higher goals and to work to do her best.

She talked about the challenges her and her fellow students face in their daily lives and finished her address with the popular Dr. Seuss saying:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the one who’ll decide where to go.”