ADDRESSES TOUCH ON SUPPORT, PATIENCE, APPRECIATION
MENNO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Addresses touch on support for others, patience, appreciation
Eleven seniors recieve diplomas in ceremony Saturday afternoon
JEREMY WALTNER
– EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Isaac Fergen, president of the National Honor Society and one of 11 seniors that make up Menno High School’s Class of 2024, stood at the lectern on a small stage inside the school’s gymnasium Saturday afternoon with a message, not only to his classmates, but to everyone assembled on what was a gorgeous May 11 afternoon.
“As you all know, sometimes life is hard,” he said. “Maybe for you, life is always hard. Maybe you know someone who is struggling or someone who needs help. We have a broken world and there will always be something wrong. I’m not going to tell you that you can change the world, but you can change someone else’s world.”
Fergen said focusing on relationships and those around you can have a real impact on both others and one’s self.
“Our focus should be on the people around us,” he said. “Someone wise told me that life is not about you — life is about your relational world … If you’re depressed or broken, money won’t fix that, but a loving friend, or a loving mother, or a loving father will. We can change someone’s life, but we have to change ourselves first. You can never make a difference if you aren’t different. So, as we go into the future of college and life, know that changing someone else’s world will change yours, too.”
This year’s commencement at Menno also included an address from graduate and student council president Maggie Miller, who spoke about purpose.
“What do you want to be when you grow up? What are you doing next year? Are you going to college? Where are you going? Why there? Why that? These are all questions we’ve been asked a million times throughout this past year,” Miller said. “Not going to lie; it’s not very fun to make that choice. You’ve got to think about the lifestyle you want to live, where you want to live, how much debt you’re willing to go into, what your priorities are, how you’re going to pay for things, and on and on.”
Miller said those are big questions that require big answers — eventually.
“While we may have created an answer today, so our parents and teachers won’t panic, it’s not set in stone,” she said. “We can change our minds, we can choose wrong, make mistakes, and then try again or try something new. We can learn and we can grow. With that in mind, the only true answer I found for today was a quote from George Saunders, ‘Do all the other things, the ambitious things — travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes. But as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.’”
Saturday’s commencement concluded with comments from Alexis Hogeland, the senior class president who shared personal stories and inside jokes as she reflected on the class’s growth through elementary school, middle school and high school. And she noted the impact the school’s staff has had on the students over the years.
“You have all gone above and beyond for us and we are all very thankful to have you part of our lives,” she said. “You have all created a deep impact in our lives and we hope you never forget that.”
Commencement at Menno also included a welcome from Superintendent Kory Foss, student recognition from Principal Nadia Mudder and the presentation of flowers from seniors to loved ones.
It also featured the recognition of this year’s eighth grade class — 16 students who will begin high school in fall.
Menno’s 2024 commencement can be viewed on the school’s YouTube channel; just search Menno Wolves Live Ticket TV.
