Alumnus Honoris Award recipient Jerald Schoenike offered advice to the Class of 2015 at Clintonville High School during the annual commencement ceremony Friday at the school.
“Be disciplined in what you do. Think before you act,” said Schoenike, a former Clintonville School District superintendent. “Most decisions provide time for thought and consequences.
“Volunteer. Find a way to serve without monetary pay. Always challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid of failure. Always try to get better at what you do. Keep yourself healthy along with laughter and humor. Take care of your future families—especially those members who are the oldest and youngest.
“That’s all there is. Now your task is to put it together.”
Schoenike said he was humbled to receive the Alumnus Honoris Award. He said he had much help along the way, especially from his family.
Schoenike grew up in Clintonville, graduated with the Class of 1953, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a doctorate from the University of Illinois, became a teacher and administrator, and was the Clintonville superintendent of schools from 1983-1996.
In his address, valedictorian Jarren Vanman used his experiences learning to ride a unicycle to reflect on the challenges the students will face.
“We are on the edge of tomorrow and the rest of our lives,” Vanman said. “Life ahead of us will be full of fear and challenges. It is up to us to balance fear with hard work and risks that are often necessary for our success if we take them wisely. …
“We will all fall many times in our future. … Each time we fall, reflect what we could do better.”
Salutatorian Christine Betz thanked the many people — parents, families and teachers — who helped the students along their journey, mixing patience with motivation. “They made us better people,” she said.
“It has been a wonderful ride,” Betz said. “We now move forward and show the world what we are made of.”
