Kristen Alles

My advice is pretty simple: Be kind to yourself and never stop learning. Dream big, graduates. I will miss you all! With love, Mrs. Alles. 

Jonathan Byrne

My advice is to love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. This is wisdom from William Shakespeare, my dude.

Jill Davenport

Life is a journey. Keep a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, be kind, give of yourself and when you are overwhelmed – eat that elephant one bite at a time!  Take good care of yourself and enjoy the journey.

Michael DeCenso

My advice is to dedicate a percentage of your time over the next four years to serve others. You will learn as much from this as you will from any class. It also has been known to lead to a satisfying career path.

Kareem Hakim

Each of you deserves to be confident that you have gifts and talents that are incredibly valuable. As you leave for college, a career or the next step you are taking, share those gifts with the world by putting 100 percent of yourself into whatever you are doing and by meeting people who are different than you. In doing so, you will benefit so many around you and continue to grow during this most exciting time of your life!

Brian Levinson

Top Ten Pieces of Advice as discussed by Warren Buffet

1. Read and write more

2. Stay healthy and fit

3. Networking is about giving

4. Practice public speaking

5. Stay teachable

6. Find a mentor

7. Keep in touch with your friends

8. You are not your job

9. Know when to leave

10. Don’t spend what you don’t have

Sean McCarroll

Be willing to go with the flow! If there’s anything that this situation has taught us, it’s that life can – and will – take you in unexpected directions on a whim’s notice. Those types of changes are inevitable, so what is important is being willing to roll with the punches and find/make the best of the opportunities those changes provide us. I want to challenge each one of you to keep track of how many unexpected challenges you face. I bet you’ll encounter far more in the next four to five years than you’d think, and I know that with your North background, you’re prepared to conquer them like the champions you are!

Marianne Modlin

Simply become who you are.

Andrew Pola

My advice to the seniors is to continue investing in themselves and others. I think the desire for self-improvement and positive relationships with friends and family should be cherished.

Alyssa Sandoval

While academic and career ambitions are clearly important, it can be easy to become caught up in those goals and lose sight of self-care. To truly reach your full potential, it is so necessary to continually reflect on your emotional health and prioritize your mental wellness. Know when to ask for help, and know when to step back. Find a small, trusted group of loved ones you can reach out to when stressors feel beyond your control. Make it a priority to seek balance in your life; you deserve the joy that comes when you do. 

Jennifer Sherman

Class of 2020, you have lived through a year of incredible uncertainty. I remember your first year at North and think back on the looks of uncertainty as you thought about what high school would be for you. I remember seeing that same uncertainty when we talked about your future and what would happen after high school. Now, you are living it again as a senior. I want you to remember this quote as you look back upon your senior year and towards your future: “Wherever there is change, and wherever there is uncertainty, there is opportunity!” – Mark Cuban. It is uncertainty that brings about growth, strength, and compassion. Remember, you have everything inside you to be successful as well as the support system in friends and family to get through every obstacle. You have learned so much and are prepared to tackle an uncertain future and rise to the challenge. Your North family will always be a part of you, forever cheering you on!  

Christopher Skowronski

1. Be flexible; as we have seen, the world can change overnight.

2. Choose a field of study that is recession-proof. The world needs medical staff, people in public safety, supply chain managers, people in infrastructure design and upkeep (Civil engineers, electricians, plumbers, welders, etc.) and education! In four, you want to be in demand!

3. Be grateful for what you have. Appreciate what you have now. Stop worrying about what you should have done, the past is done. Stop rushing to get to the future, it will be here fast enough. Tell those around you that you care for them, do something special for them and live your life with purpose.

Bradley Smith

Take care of yourself and those around you, seek out knowledge, and change this world for the better.

Michael Spears

Help others when you see that they need help, whether it is one person or an entire community. But more importantly, influence others to do the same.

Susan Speirs

My new favorite quote and advice for the graduating class of 2020!

“If not you, then who? If not now, when?” By Hillel.

Tom Torrento

You do not have to have all the answers in life. Do not be afraid to ask questions, but pay attention to the details that come in the answers you receive!

Eric Vanston

Take risks and be ready to step outside your comfort zone. You are going to make some mistakes in life, just be ready to learn from them and apologize when necessary! 

Jennifer Weisbrodt

No matter where you end up in this world, always be proud of your midwestern roots. And TRAVEL! Nothing helps you to figure out what is important and what you value like traveling the world, or even your state. In the words of Anthony Bourdain,

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

Thank you Grosse Pointe North Class of 2020. You have left a beautiful mark on us. All the best, Mrs. Weisbrodt.

Jason Wolfsen

Although the high school chapter of your life ended in a way you may not have wanted it to, remember what the great Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”….and when you feel lost remember your compass will always point home to North! Best wishes on your future endeavors!