Midland Kiwanis honors top academic Midland County seniors

This year's event honored 83 students representing the top 10% of the six Midland County high schools at The Great Hall. Over 212 students, family members, educators, Kiwanians and spouses celebrated the accomplishments of these young people.

President Kevin Shaughnessy served as Master of Ceremonies for this 67th Honors Banquet, with Gabrielle Cook-McIlvenna performing the National Anthem to open the program. Following an invocation from the Rev. Wally Mayton and a delicious dinner, Scholarship Committee Chair John Anderson and Brad Bahr presented certificates of achievement to the honorees.

Kara Stark, Associate Superintendent of Student Services and Human Resources at Midland Public Schools, was the keynote speaker. Kara is a graduate of Dow High School with a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University and a master's in principalship from Saginaw Valley State University, Stark taught for nine years in elementary schools and later was principal of Central Park Elementary for four years.

Stark congratulated the students on their success, noting the support from their families and educators. She suggested that for many students, life so far has been a "straight line," achieving success by tackling tasks put before them with excellence. However, unforeseen circumstances can alter plans and dreams and the challenge is to focus on one's purpose and rely on the importance of resilience, determination, and identifying one's sense of purpose.

She believes we are at our best when we navigate life through "jagged lines" and that anything is possible through hard work and determination. Stark wished the graduates well on their next steps to impact the world.