Justin Brubaker punched the air, losing his cap in the process.
Wade McWhorter flung out his arms and quick stepped across the stage.
Jordan Duzenack crossed her arms and leaned back for a photo.
The three graduates are among the 216 students to receive their diplomas Saturday during the Thompson Valley High School commencement ceremony.
“Wow, we’ve been waiting for this day for ages,” said Kelly Clingan, student council co-president, who gave the welcome speech.
Clingan reflected on four years of the highs and lows of being in high school and persevering during unprecedented times and the lessons to take away from both.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Failing simply shows you’re putting yourself out there and have the courage to do so,” Clingan said.
Failing can be scary, leaving a person feeling vulnerable and nervous, but the challenge is to learn from the process, Clingan said.
“Whether we like to or not, we make choices. We make conscious choices every day,” Clingan said. “By the end of the day we choose our attitude, actions and words. … Choose the kinder and empathetic path.”
Faculty speaker Nate Hoffman congratulated the students for making it through the pandemic when the “world has changed a lot,” he said.
“You had to find a way through that … to your resilience and problem-solving skills. The point is you figured it out. You made it through, and here you are,” Hoffman said.
The four salutatorians, Ethan Baldwin, Kevin Leidig, Lauren Lessman and Macy McCauley, gave the salutatorian address. Baldwin touched on getting accustomed to the high school experience, then the pandemic happening, but thanks to the support of family, friends and staff, the graduates successfully made it to their senior year.
“Then became the big question no one was ready to answer, what comes next?” Lessman said, adding that with their hard work and dedication despite what happened, she and her classmates are “prepared to take on the real world.”
Graduation day marks the end of being students and the start of a new journey, Leidig said.
“Redirect your attention to the world. Appreciate its beauty. And use your knowledge to mend its flaws,” Leidig said.
McCauley advised the students to remember nobody else is writing their stories.
“We must remember to listen to others’ stories, too, (which is) important to help us write our own,” McCauley said.
The valedictorians, Taylor Bottoms, Marit Klagge and Mallory Phillips, also shared the stage for the valedictorian address.
Bottoms led off by reflecting on a sign she saw at Rocky Mountain National Park about litter: “Please leave it better than you found it.” The sign also can symbolize making an impact in the world, she said.
“Every day you can take what is handed to you and leave it at that or turn it into something beautiful,” Bottoms said. “Each and every one of is equipped to leave the world better than we found it.”
Klagge encouraged the graduates to find joy in their journey.
“Do what you love, do it well, and do it for others and you won’t go wanting into that gentle night,” Klagge said.
Phillips told the graduates everything they’ve done so far is just the beginning.
“It’s our turn to begin shaping the world, so get excited,” Phillips said. “Now is the time to realize the world as it is and acknowledge what got you here and take a breath and begin.”
School Superintendent Marc Schaffer gave the address for the acceptance of the class.
“Your future is very bright. You have agency, choice and direction in what you choose,” Schaffer said. “The impact you will make in this world is because of who you are as individuals. … We are proud of you and your accomplishments today.”
That bright future hadn’t set in for Lana Berning as she walked out with her diploma.
“It hasn’t really set in yet, but it’s kind of fun. It’s also weird because it’s over now,” Berning said.
Berning plans to study mortuary science because she loves science and doesn’t “gross out easily.” She, however, will miss her friends and the structure of high school, she said.
“Now I have to set my own structure,” Berning said.
Carolina Goldsberry finds it “crazy” to be moving on, she said.
“It’s exciting but scary at the same time,” said Goldsberry, who plans to study psychology and become a counselor or life coach. “I’m excited to see where everyone goes and how successful they’ll be.”
Valedictorians: Taylor Bottoms, Marit Klagge, Mallory Phillips
Salutatorians: Ethan Baldwin, Kevin Leidig, Lauren Lessman, Macy McCauley
Editor’s note: Misspelled names have been corrected in this story.
