An
unusual motto for a unique class
Onekama
High graduates 30
By JODIE FLETCHER,
Manistee News Advocate City Editor
MANISTEE — It’s quite an unusual motto,
but as each student made their way to the front of the gymnasium to
receive their diplomas, the truth was obvious.
Some started forward with a hop in their step, ready to move on to their
next endeavor. Others were slower, tears glimmering in their eyes,
obviously not sure whether they were ready to say goodbye. And one
graduate, Krystall Kay Konvicka stood, one arm high in the air, and
cheered when her name was called then marched up with purpose and showed
her diploma off to principal Gina Hagen.
Though the styles were different, all were unique and showed the
personality of each grad. And all held true to their motto:
“We think we’re cool, and that’s all that matters.”
Though unconventional, valedictorian Anna Veverica said it suited her
class better than any inspirational quote or meaningful saying.
“We are a class of individuals who aren’t afraid to be who we are,” she
said in her graduation speech.
Veverica said she searched and searched for something to talk about,
before finally settling in on what was right in front of her the whole
time. The motto, and what it says about her class.
The Onekama High School class of 2009 graduated in the school’s 110th
commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon in the school gymnasium. Their
entry to the gym was accompanied by the Onekama High School band under
the direction of Kathy Joseph.
The graduates were welcomed by superintendent Kevin Hughes, who called
the class “academically gifted and athletically talented.”
“We had some great years in this class,” he said. “We’re going to miss
you.” Hughes spoke of the personal hardships he, and many in the
community, had faced in the past couple of weeks. He’d attended the
funeral of 21-year-old Colin Grenn, who died recently as a result of
injuries sustained in a fire, and said the event had made a few things
clear to him.
“Every day, you don’t know when its going to be your day,” he said,
urging the students to take advantage of their lives. “Use your talent
you were given and use it to the best of your ability... because you
never know when its going to be your last day.”
One piece of advice Hughes gave to the graduates was to, take advice.
Especially from their parents, grandparents and elders. “You need to
listen to them,” he said. “I know it’s hard. I know they don’t
understand you. But I know the older I get, the wiser my parents get.”
Some tips he passed on for a successful life were: Don’t spend more than
you make, pay cash for things, save money for a rainy day, listen to
family, and give your best effort. “If you give your best to everything
you do,” Hughes advised, “you will be rewarded.”
His last bit of advice to the graduates was to be careful, and be smart
in their decisions. Statistically, Hughes said, graduation time is very
dangerous for teenagers. “I would like for you to someday be able to
attend your child’s graduation,” he said.
Two students shared the responsibilities of salutatorian. Kaylyn
Lavender was the first to deliver her address. In it, she spoke of the
memories the students she — and others — had formed in their time at
Onekama School. “These memories have helped shape who we are today,” she
said |
TIP OF THE CAP:
Onekama seniors celebrate their graduation in a customary way: by
throwing their caps into the air. (by Jody Fletcher)
Anna takes her
place in the band for one last time. (photo by Jodie Fletcher of
News Advocate)
Nicholas Pokorzynski
followed Lavender, and also spoke about how the people they are had been
forged during their high school careers.
“In four years we’ve become the people we will be for the rest of our
lives,” Pokorzynski said, adding that high school is, “arguably the most
important time in our lives.”
He continued, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous, “Do not go where the
path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
“I cannot think of any better advice for graduates,” he said, “because
the opportunities are endless.”
Robert Evans, school board president, provided the acceptance of
graduates speech and he and Hagen presented the diplomas. After, the
senior slideshow elicited cheers and “awww”s from the crowd.
Finally, Hagen said the words, “I present you the newest alumni — the
class of 2009,” and the students threw their caps into the air. The
newly graduated filed out onto the lawn outside the gymnasium to pose
for pictures, give hugs, show off their diplomas and even shed a few
tears together.
And as they did, it was clear. Unconventional though it might be to
admit, they knew they were cool.
Luke poses with his family after the
ceremony (photo by Jodie Fletcher of Manistee News Advocate)
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