CHOICE graduates celebrate commencement

Twenty-nine graduates of CHOICE High School accepted their diplomas in front of friends and family at a commencement ceremony June 6 in the Shelton High School Performing Arts Center.

The commencement ceremony also noted the 40th anniversary of CHOICE, which is housed next to Evergreen Elementary School in downtown Shelton.

Vernon Bruni noted he has been principal for two years and started at the same time he was becoming a father to triplets. He reminded the graduates of the alternative school that "Once a CHOICE Cat, always a CHOICE Cat."

Jerry Rice, who taught English, science and math, is retiring after nine years teaching at CHOICE.

"I love you all and wish you only the best," he said.

Rice reminded the graduates that commencement was not the end of their education, but the beginning. He offered pieces of advice:

■ "Be kind whenever possible."

■ "Don't take it all. Your neighbors need some."

■ "Once a day, walk outside and touch the ground."

The ceremony started late after a fight that broke out in the audience about 20 minutes before the event spilled into the lobby and then the parking lot and forced a lockdown of the building and the arrival of Shelton Police.