Good evening, thank you for including me to this wonderful gathering of graduates of Fairfield Community High School.

As many of you know, I am not from Fairfield, but I have two sons who are alums from 2004 and 2007….and my wife is a proud grad from 1979. I think that fact gives me a unique perspective on this place as many of you return to reminisce and honor your alma mater.

You return during the midst of unparalleled success at FCHS.

The administration decided to brand two unique venues where the Mules play their home athletic games----The Train Yard and The Mule Barn. They are now almost as famous as the Shelton’s and the Farmer’s Store. Both of them are totally unique and feared by visiting teams for good reason. Our boys and girls’ teams in Fairfield are wildly successful, and they will likely continue to dominate into the near future.

But that is not the whole story. Many of brightest young people are going away to college only to return to give back to Fairfield and Wayne County. Two names come to mind. My primary care doctor is Nicole Fyie Vaughan, daughter of Jay and Lisa Fyie. FCHS Graduate Dr. Patrick Molt will soon welcome Dr. Lauren Williams, the daughter of L. Bryan and Barbara Williams to the hospital to help bolster the medical staff.

These are signature moments where the local culture is rewarded with the return of the next generation.

As mayor, I can tell all of you that Fairfield has a bright future ahead of it. Those of us who are happy to be here…need to drown out the naysayers who only find negative things to say….and print about our town.

I know this next statement might seem bold, but I believe it is true.

We are on the cusp of a new era of prosperity in Fairfield led by our children. I sense it. They expect to win when they compete. We could learn a lot from that mindset. …because success is contagious.

If you are home for the first time in a while, I want to welcome you.

Please shop and visit our restaurants. Enjoy the home of truly some of the friendliest people anywhere.

Thank you, God Bless FCHS graduates wherever they may be.

God Bless our current high school students….and those who will someday graduate from Fairfield Community High School.

I pray they continue to win….in every endeavor they may choose.

Thank you.