Hiland graduation focuses on memories, friends and future
For 67 seniors from the graduating class of Hiland High School, Sunday, May 30, was the culmination of many years of hard work, countless wonderful memories and even some hardships. But life waits for no man, and so they joined together in the 2010 graduation ceremony to enjoy one final day together as a class."It's been an exciting and emotional day, but I'm happy," said Rylee Curry following the graduation ceremony. "I'm glad it's over, but sad at the same time. I will definitely miss my friends, but not all of the homework."
Clinton "Pudge" Yoder, who will go into the working world now, said he wasn't nervous at all about graduation day, "I was looking forward to it," said Yoder. "I'm looking forward to being an adult."
Drew Stutzman, who normally finds himself on the other side of the camera videotaping graduations as part of the team at 3M Video, said that it was unique being the one people were focused on.
"Getting pictures taken of me is totally odd," said Stutzman. "I'm the one normally taking the pictures. I get to enjoy it more this year."
Having filmed so many graduations, it's no wonder that Stutzman had his eye in the 2010 version for quite some time.
"After the first couple months of school, it all seemed like we had made it past the hard part," said Stutzman. "It's here and it's awesome. This year absolutely flew by. It has hit me that we won't have our friends around every day, and that makes things a little emotional, but there's always Facebook and e-mail, and we all have cell phones, so we can always keep in touch."
As for the graduation ceremony, Rhonda Mullet opened with an invocation and John Raber provided the welcome. Always singing, seniors Shane Byler and Methiah Miller provided one final musical number, offering With A Little Help From My Friends as their dedication to the senior class. For most, it was a time of reflection and memories, succinctly summed up by salutatorian Janelle Miller.
"Where has the time gone?" asked Miller. "It seems like only yesterday that we were those little, annoying seventh-graders whom all the seniors despised. But we have been watching each other grow and mature all through middle school and high school. We made it to this point together. Most of us have known each other since middle school, and some have known each other since kindergarten, so it's safe to say that we probably know each other pretty well.
"Now, we will each go our separate ways, which is part of becoming an independent adult. Even though it may be a little depressing knowing we may not see each other again, just remember all of the special and distinct memories that you cherish with your friends. This chapter of our lives is coming to a rolling stop, but we will never completely stop, because we have the rest of our lives to live out."
Valedictorian Hilary Weaver spoke about how emotional it is to be separating from a group of people who have grown so close over the past 12 years. She also talked about how the graduates now have a perfect opportunity to take what they have learned from their years in high school, their teachers, friends, parent and others, and step into the world and make a positive impact.
"If there were ever a time in life to make a difference, and to embark on something with feeling, it is now," said Weaver. "All of us have dreams, and we must follow these dreams until they become a reality for all of us. Along the way, we will most likely run into people who will criticize us, and tell us that we cannot reach our ambitions. We cannot let these people instill the fear of failure inside of us. All of us seniors have the potential to do great things, and if we believe in ourselves, nothing will be able to limit what we can accomplish."
Weaver also urged her classmates to never forget where they came from, and the values that have been instilled in their lives by their school, communities and families. "On behalf of the seniors, I would like to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey over the past 12 years," said Weaver. "To our parents, friends, teachers and administration, we could not have made it to this point without you. A new chapter of our lives is beginning, one that includes a great amount of change, but one which ensures opportunities every morning."
Following Weaver's speech, the seniors took their one final official act, marching across the stage to receive their diplomas, joining Danny Beachy as he led in the turning of the tassel and listening to Jill Martin as she closed with the benediction. From there, it was a walk outside, into a bright, sunlit sky filled with endless possibilities.