Meryl, left, and David, right, congratulate their daughter Stacey on her induction as a Timber Wolf.
Randolph Academy students inducted into Timber Wolf Club
Over 200 students, staff, families, alumni, and guests gathered to celebrate the success of a dozen Randolph Academy students who were inducted into the Timber Wolf Club. Acting as master and mistress of ceremonies were students Akil and Arielle.
Parents travelled from as far away as Long Island to witness their children being inducted into the Randolph Timber Wolf Club.
Speaking at the ceremony was Narda Gatgen, clinical director of Randolph Children’s Home. In her congratulatory remarks, she related that “National Good Samaritan” day would be celebrated the next day. She went on to ask the members of the Timber Wolf club what a “good Samaritan” is. One member from the audience answered, “doing good for others, even when there is no personal gain.” Ms. Gatgen explained that Timber Wolves assume a positive leadership role in the community that is much like that of a good Samaritan. Members of the Randolph Timber Wolf club perform community service at St. Susan’s Soup Kitchen (Jamestown), the ASPCA (Jamestown), and for many Randolph community organizations.
The main piece of the ceremony is when staff members, who have been selected by the student inductee, take a position on stage, literally and figuratively, “standing behind” the inductee to act as a spokesperson. The staff gives testimony of the inductees’ accomplishments.
One such spokesperson was Gary Learn, who is a maintenance worker at the Randolph Children’s Home. His testimony supported the induction of Caroline. He relayed a humorous story about how he first met Caroline. Apparently, Caroline had a “collision” with a microwave oven and Mr. Learn was called on to make a repair. Soon after that initial meeting, Mr. Learn and his wife enrolled in the mentor program to serve as mentors to Caroline. He emphasized how Caroline has shown that she is very focused and goal directed. He commended her on how she uses her artistic talents for many Timber Wolf projects.
In closing, Mr. Learn said, “It’s really all about relationships. My wife and I think we’ll have a relationship with Caroline for many years to come.”
Teacher Alan Scott spoke on behalf of another inductee, Joseph. He commended Joseph for his hard work in the horticulture program.
“Joseph works very hard in the program," he said. "He is tireless in the work he has done to maintain gardens in the community and on our campus. This work ethic will certainly lead to future success.”
At the close of the ceremony, the newly inducted Timber Wolves signed their names on a huge banner bearing the campus norms of respect, safety, responsibility and goal direction. Following the ceremony, a receiving line formed for all guests to express their congratulations.
To see a Post-Journal Article, click here.
March 17, 2009