Washington grads mark their moments

WASHINGTON — Washington High School graduates were challenged to reflect on their last thirteen years of school this Sunday.

“What moments will stay with you and give meaning to you as you carry on?” Nolan Watson addressed the class of 2022, “Will you mark these moments fondly or will you match the emphasis in which leaders impress upon you?”

For graduates of the unofficial “Bomb Squad” many of these moments will be marked with fondness.

Graduate Quinn Wubenna said that the bomb squad was formed with a few young men who decided to wear matching ‘Bomb Squad’ T-shirts on Tuesdays throughout the school year.

It was initially just a joke, however, they proved themselves to truly be future leaders as they turned a lighthearted group of boys into the young men who choose to impact the world around them.

The group decided to create and sell their own version of ‘Bomb Squad’ T-shirts to benefit the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic’s Children’s Hospital.

“We sold about 60 shirts,” Wubenna said. “We raised about $850 dollars for the children’s hospital.”

When asked why, he said that the group just thought it would be a good idea.

These note worthy young men include graduates Quinn Wubbena, Evan Miller, and class Salutatorian Mateo Salazar.

Underclassmen Micah Rees and Kevin Flannery also take part in the group.

"The graduates plan on keeping the tradition of bomb squad, wearing the shirt every Tuesday and coming back to Washington when we can,“ Wubenna said. ”Kevin and Micah are also planning on getting new idea for bomb squad initiates.“

Currently, the graduates are meeting Tuesday mornings for breakfast.

Moments created such as ‘Bomb Squad’ are the kind of moments addressed in class speeches by Emre Akgul, Allison Lucas, and Nolan Watson.

“Make powerful, unbreakable bonds with your loved ones and never forget to spend time with them,” Akgul said.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” Lucas said. “Remember those dreams. Set those goals. Make that plan to accomplish them.”

Achieving the honor of Valedictorian, Lucas Kroll appeared to have a head start in creating dreams, goals, and plans with is 4.0 grade-point average.

Watson could also be said to have a firm grip on this topic, considering he put in a total of 296 silver cord volunteer hours.

“Which parts stick out to you, and which parts will you end up sharing to educate those around you?” Watson said.

Through beautiful words, smiles, laughter, and a bustling gymnasium the seniors of 2022 took ownership of their graduation.

“It was very emotional,” Principal Teresa Beenblossom said. “I’m so proud of all of them.”

Beenblossom is glad to have her first ceremony under her belt and looks forward to adding more of herself in the years to come.

“You can’t annotate every word in a story,” Watson said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com