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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Time to Celebrate the Class of 2025!
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
It was the week to celebrate the senior class as they entered their last few days of high school. It always stirs up memories that are happy and excited and yes, a little poignant. It is no different for the class of 2025 as they leave a place they have been a part of for several years.
The graduates’ banners line Main Street, so it’s time to begin the send-off. Last week, the celebration kicked off with a special senior breakfast. Teachers and administrators came together to cook and serve a delicious meal as a way to honor the graduates. The morning was filled with great food, laughter, and shared memories as the final countdown to graduation began.
On May 13, it was the Senior Spotlight celebration luncheon and awards ceremony. The luncheon, for the seniors and their parents/guardians, was held in the Charles Lorber gymnasium.
Allison Lair and Scott Kracht, with assistance from Tori Kenel and Jennifer Campbell, were the organizers. The meal was pulled pork, mac ‘n’ cheese (that was graciously prepared by Food Service Director Tyson Wintermeyer,) baked beans, coleslaw, potato chips, a variety of cookies, lemonade and ice tea.
With her assistance, FCS teacher Alaina Nelson was an integral part of making the day go smoothly. The NHS crew and their advisor, Cory Reid, not only prepared the dessert ahead of time, but also carried all the food to the gym, served, and assisted in the clean up.
Then it was time to go to the auditorium. The seniors were on the stage and each had “their moment in the sun” in front of the student body and parents and guests. They were individually recognized for their academic accomplishments, any scholarships received, and their future plans. It was a wonderful afternoon!
On Thursday, May 15, the seniors took their Senior Walk through the halls of both the high school and elementary school. They were greeted with smiles, cheers, and a few happy tears. As was appropriate, the walk started at the high school and ended where it all began — kindergarten. The kindergartners gave them colored pictures and many hugs. It was a full-circle moment of kindness, inspiration, and Tiger pride!
Graduation day, May 18, dawned sunny and cool, a perfect spring day. It is such a momentous day, a milestone day for not only the seniors, but also their parents and grandparents. It is day filled with all sorts of emotions, most of them joyous and a few bittersweet.
Commencement started at 2 p.m. in the gym. The honorary junior ushers, Katelyn Allen and Brigham Porter, led the seniors to their seats to the processional played by the concert band. Principal Scott Kracht introduced students and recognized their academic and volunteer accomplishments.
Colin Pealer, the class salutatorian, thanked his family for their support and encouragement throughout his school years. He pointed out that perseverance was an idea he held on to as challenges came. He felt that his class supported each other, lifted each other up, and kept flying forward together. He also believes that a challenge gets a person out of their comfort zone to try something new, otherwise it is not a challenge. Challenges build character. He ended his speech by offering his mom some comfort with the quote, “Don’t be sad that it’s over, but celebrate that it happened.”
After hearing a selection from the varsity choir of “Fly Away Home,” Morgan Jones, the class valedictorian, was introduced. Her speech centered around the idea that “we can do hard things.” Hard things builds young adults and grows courage, character, and determination. She also follows a dictum of her dad’s of “make it a great day.” It gives a perspective to life. You are responsible for your future and the way your life goes. Stay positive, do hard things, and make your life great … not because it’s easy, but because you can.
The guest speaker was Dr. James Oudenhoven, the high school social studies teacher. His humorous speech encouraged the class that life is an adventure. His experience as a high school teacher was a big change, but a learning experience. He encouraged them to be open to change.
Allison Lair handed out the academic achievement awards. For those students who were on the honor roll all eight semesters received a certificate. They included Brody Bailey, Sully Barron, Shaylee Brothersen, Emma Busby, Hailee Dudley, Taylor Fuller, Emma Kenel, Gavin Menke-Bailey, Mylee Miller, Colin Pealer, Avalon Rhodes, Memphis Watson, Stevey Wintermeyer, and Carleen Zaragoza. She presented a certificate and an award to Morgan Jones for eight semesters of being on the high honor roll.
Principal Kracht presented the class for graduation and with that, the 36 members of the Class of 2025 were officially high school graduates.
As they left the gym and were off to various graduation parties and places, Mr. Kracht reminded them that “once a Tiger, always a Tiger!” It’s true, you know!
