Goodrich- For a moment on Wednesday, High School Principal David St. Aubin was concerned. Just after lunch, St. Aubin walked into a dark, silent auditorium to check out an alleged problem with the set of the upcoming school play.
The school equipment was just fine’it’s what he found instead that made him stop.
Dressed in Martian blue caps and gowns, about 185 seniors welcomed St. Aubin for an early graduation ceremony prior to his departure for military
duty. Within the next few weeks, St. Aubin will join the ranks of the U.S. Army for active duty in Iraq. The early graduation was suggested by a couple of high school students who figured St. Aubin was with them for four years and wanted him to hand out the diplomas.
‘Well, it’s a surprise,? said an emotional St. Aubin, to the class. ‘I told you all at the first of the school year I was proud of you and all your accomplishments. I’m going to miss all the accomplishments through this year that you’ll receive, too. That bothers me the most about leaving.?
St. Aubin, 47, a U.S. Army Reservist, went into the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps at Western Michigan University, and obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. St. Aubin, who serves as a drill sergeant, has earned the rank of lieutenant colonel over his 24 years of duty. He is expected to leave within the next few weeks. St. Aubin, a former LakeVille High School principal, replaced long-time GHS Principal Kenneth Andrezjewski, who retired in January 2005.
High School Secretary Betty Griffiths said St. Aubin was out of town on Monday and Tuesday, which helped in keeping the graduation secret. Vice Principal Mike Ellis addressed senior classes throughout the week regarding the graduation plans. Once the ceremony began, each student walked across the stage. St. Aubin handed them a mock diploma, shook their hand, then gave them a hug.
After the last student crossed the stage, St. Aubin stood behind the podium for closing remarks. Emotions overcame him and the principal who watched the senior class of 2009 grow throughout their four years at the high school broke down in tears. With St. Aubin unable to speak, Ellis took the stage.
‘I told you all it would mean a lot to him,? he said to the class. ‘Thank you so much for cooperating so well, and making this so successful.?
District Superintendent Larry Allen said Reid Elementary Principal Paul Mins will step in for St. Aubin. Curriculum Director Beth Zito will fill in as Reid’s principal.