WINDSOR
The 109 members of the Windsor High School graduating Class of 2015 got a final lesson before receiving their diplomas on Friday evening.

“Life is a series of choices,” said guest speaker Christopher Ellis, a retired English teacher from the school.

He added, “Our choices shape our lives,” which served as his mantra throughout the speech.

Ellis knew from whence he spoke because his long path to leading classrooms began when he first made a decision to become an actor. At one time many years ago, Ellis had even appeared on the popular soap operas “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital.”

After 15 years of acting, though, he realized he had to change his dream, but that was not without some consolation.

“I was fortunate to have some success,” said Ellis. “My road brought me back…Our choices shape our lives.”

Sales work followed, which he very soon came to hate. Then a woman Ellis knew suggested teaching, which was something he never before considered. There were doubts and obstacles to overcome, such as how would he be able to balance remaining at work while going back to school. What if after 17 years out of school he had forgotten how to study? Then the estimated five years to become a teacher seemed like it would take forever. But a friend told him those five years would pass by anyway.

The next day Ellis registered at Old Dominion University.

“I loved being back in a classroom,” he said. “It’s amazing what you can get when you work hard to get it.”

Following his own schooling, Ellis worked for a year as a substitute at Smithfield High School, and was hired full-time, eventually making his way to Windsor High School.

“My road less traveled indeed brought me back here,” he said. “I ended up exactly where I was meant to be. Teaching became my passion. I loved sharing my knowledge with you.”

Above all else, Ellis told the imminent graduates, “Make smart choices. When you don’t, make better choices.”

Preceding his speech, valedictorian Kaylee Brooke Smith thanked all the teachers and Principal Daniel Soderholm. Even Dairy Queen got a shout-out because it was the only hangout for the students.

“Each of you has made a difference in our lives,” she told them.

In addition to her diploma, Smith has received 15 grants and scholarships totaling $186,702.

Salutatorian Lindsey Cristine Ball, who was awarded a total of $118,325, referenced “Repetition” by Phil Kaye.

“If you repeat something over and over again it loses its meaning,” she quoted a line from the poem, and then urged her fellow graduates to “refuse to live life in the mundane…and never neglect the beauty of Queen’s lace before you.”

Following Ellis, three other school leaders added their perspective.

Denise Tynes, school board chairwoman, said, “No matter where you go you will always be a part of Isle of Wight schools. As of today, you will always love Windsor High School.”

Dr. Katrise Perera, who steps down as superintendent on June 30, called on the students to thank their teachers and then their first teacher — mom and dad.

“Parents, a job well done,” she added.

Perera then asked the graduates to remember when they were in elementary school and got snacks and naps.

“The real world doesn’t give you time for snacks and naps,” she said. You’re beginning your next chapter. The rubber hits the road.”

Principal Soderholm told everyone how he decided six years ago that he liked bow ties better than straight ties.

“Bow ties are always unique. Trust that home training, and no matter what, be yourself, but be your best self.”

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