ALGONA-A packed classroom of family and friends were on hand to congratulate the 2009 class of East Fork Alternative High School. With eleven graduates, the class was quite large for the alternative school.
"I'm really, really impressed with the number of friends and family we have here this year," said instructor Julie Buchanan. "We really never know how many to expect to show up for graduation."
Buchanan explained to those in attendance that those graduating from East Fork Alternative High School graduated with an actual high school diploma for all of the hard work and dedication they have had to attaining a high school education.
"We have the same credits and standards and expectations as any high school in the state of Iowa," Buchanan said. "We expect students to want to come in and learn. We just allow them to work at their own pace and independently, and hold school at different times to help them fit it into their schedules."
Buchanan said like any school, they have some of their own unique traditions, including a Halloween Egg toss, miniature golf on Valentine's Day and the mascot of an owl.
Instructor Christine Smith talked to students about scholarship options available to them from Iowa Lakes Community College, if they were to choose to continue their education at the community college.
Shirley Trenary discussed the potential for Job Core training available for all students aged 16 to 24 in many different fields, all free of charge, provided they apply for it.
Buchanan then gave a graduation speech highlighting the Top 10 employee characteristics besides a high school diploma that employers like John Deere were looking for in employees.
"These, like your high school diploma, are tools that will help you succeed in life," Buchanan said. "Like any other tool, if you don't use them, you will most likely lose them."
Among the tips were being technically confident, gaining business acumen, being a problem solver, communicating well in all spectrums, being a lifelong learner, being proactive and customer focused, being safe, being honest and showing up as if the job really matters.
"Most people get their jobs based on being technically confident, and most lose their jobs because of the other nine," Buchanan said.
Buchanan then introduced each student as they were getting their diploma to the crowd, as well as small gifts to each of the graduates catering to their personality or future goals.
Following the graduation, a reception with cake and punch was served for graduates, family and friends.