The atmosphere was lighthearted and optimistic as the 2015 Gillett High School graduating class prepared to receive their diplomas on Sunday. Photos were taken and the 36 classmates checked their tassels and reminisced about the last four years.
Taylor Kohls, class president, welcomed everyone to the graduation ceremony, saying, “This is the new best thing in our lives.”
She advised her classmates to follow their hearts to the next step and reminded them not to live someone else’s life.
Kohls also acknowledged Bill DeYoung, who is retiring this year after teaching at the high school for 35 years.
Superintendent Todd Carlson, in his message, incorporated the past with the present, posting a photo of the old elementary school previously located on First Street. Those who had attended school in that building were acknowledged, and two retired teachers, Mavis Steffen and Joan Carlson, who taught in the Gillett School District for 35 years, were honored. They also helped hand out diplomas at the end of the ceremony.
Todd Carlson advised the class that commencement is a serious ceremony. He said in order to be successful, it is important to listen when taught and take up personal responsibilities.
The Class of 2015 was a close-knit class, said salutatorian Amber Francois. She said now their endeavors have come to completion.
Valedictorian Kody Pawlek used a quote by Will Rogers as the basis of his comments: “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.”
He said the graduates have a variety of interests, including history, art, technology and music. He advised his classmates to love what they do, and do it often. If they did, he said, they would get better and better. He reminded them to keep their passion close, and don’t let it go.
Continuing his advice based on the Rogers quote, he told his classmates to keep going, don’t stop or fall behind, even though it could be a long and bumpy road, and never pull over.
Principal Steve Linssen, who served as master of ceremonies, commented in closing, “You never know what you can do until you try.” He advised the class to enjoy the journey, wherever it might take them.
Following the ceremony, the class met on the football field to release balloons in remembrance of Wyatt Schroeder, one of their classmates who had passed away.
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