Comstock High School held its graduation ceremonies on a perfect June night in the Athletic Stadium. This year's class graduated 92 students, as well as five international students. A dozen students were recognized for their involvement with the National Honors Society, and seven graduated summa cum laude, earned by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or higher. A total of 31 seniors graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. We are truly proud of this group of seniors.
Three graduating seniors were chosen to speak at the ceremonies: Abigail Schreiner, Michael Small, and Max Raphelson. Max's speech really resonated with the audience, and several people were interested in sharing his words with others. We think that he has captured the spirit of Comstock very well. With his approval, and with Comstock Pride, we share his speech for you here.
Hello, and welcome to our graduation. All of our hard work throughout the years has paid off. My name is Max Raphelson, and I have had the privilege of being the President of Comstock’s High School National Honor’s Society. Yet the honor for me is not about being the president, or even being in National Honor Society; the honor for me is that I have gotten to be that for Comstock. I am a third generation Comstock student. My Grandfather is Class of 1947, and my mother [graduated in] 1980. So I truly mean this when I say it: I take great pride in graduating from Comstock tonight. I’d like to briefly tell you why I am proud to be graduating here tonight with my fellow students, teachers, staff, family and friends in attendance.
The first reason Comstock is so special is the staff. We have an amazing and diverse staff — a staff that has helped shape us into the individuals we are today. Whether it was grabbing food from Mrs. Grueter’s room, talks with Mr. Bailey, or countless times banging on Mr. Cotter’s door, the support and encouragement we received every day at Comstock has been truly exceptional. I wish I had the time to talk individually about each member of our staff because each person is so unique, and brings their own teaching styles and personalities to their work. But more important than teaching us, they have also cared for us and helped us learn outside the books and lectures to become our friends.
The second reason I am so proud tonight is the incredible students sitting behind me. We are a class that has accomplished a lot in our four years of high school — whether that was inside these walls, or figuring out who were are outside of the school. From a nationally recognized horse rider, multiple three-sport athletes, to many winners of prestigious scholarships — this is a unique class. And now, as we move into this new chapter in our lives, it will be incredible to see what this class is going to do. The class of 2016 post-high school plans are exciting. We have many students attending college; some have even chosen to go to school out of state. Other members of our class are joining the workforce, going to trade schools, or serving in the armed forces. As young freshmen on our first day, I doubt any of us really knew what our plans would be ending high school. I was so scared and nervous that Mrs. Nord had to help me and my shaky hands open up my locker. But that moment right there shows why Comstock is so great, and how its staff has prepared us as students so well to take on this new exciting challenge.
The final reason I am so proud to graduate from Comstock tonight is the simple word "community." It is no secret; we are not the flashiest school. We do not have the most money, or receive the most attention. But I would argue that most people do not understand the great things that happen within these walls. I have spent time in every type of school — from charter to private, and now public — and I can honestly say my four years of public school at Comstock have been my favorite. In a world blinded at the moment by figures promoting intolerance and division, I have found Comstock an exception. This is a place where one can be who they are, and not feel pressured to be someone they are not. A board member of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation spoke to me saying, “Throughout the past couple of years Comstock has become one of the most accepting High Schools throughout the Kalamazoo area, on almost all aspects.” This is something to be proud of, Colts. This shows the family we are, the values our parents and teachers have instilled in us, and the positive choices we continue to make. As students, we do not stand alone; the support of friends, family, and community cannot be overlooked; you are all very much a part of our celebration tonight. I have absolute confidence that Comstock will continue to be a place of learning, understanding, and tolerance for years to come. So when people ask where you graduated, say "Comstock" proudly because it’s a good time to be a Colt.
Thank you and enjoy the rest of this celebration.
We couldn't have said it better. Thank you, Max. Congratulations to you, and to the Comstock Class of 2016.