By JONATHAN SNYDER
Serene weather was a perfect backdrop for the memories shared by faculty and students as Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High School officially graduated its Class of 2024 on Sunday.
After the Southern Wells band played the processional music and everyone sat down, Superintendent Trent Lehman addressed the class. Lehman urged the class to intensely pursue their goals while diligently keeping up with the steps required to achieve them. While Lehman wants his students to chase their dreams, he also told the class that developing good character is more important than those goals.
“Enjoy the moment, celebrate moments like these throughout your life,” Lehman said. “As important as these goals are, the process (to those goals) and the adjustments in the process … the life lessons learned, the character developed, the people you meet, how you go after some of your goals … even sacrificing some of your daily commitment in goals to help someone in need. All these things are more important ultimately than your goals. What you become is more important than what you accomplish.”
Students receiving academic, technical and distinction honors were then announced to those in attendance. Fifteen students from the class graduated with a 3.5 Grade Point Average or higher, with four students achieving a 4.0 GPA or higher.
Ella Lahr was announced as the class valedictorian. Lahr mentioned her faith in Christ during her speech, stating that if the graduates set their minds on glorifying God with their work, work becomes more enjoyable and impactful to others.
“Looking ahead into our future schooling, careers or whatever we do, it is important to strive to live a life that will allow for us to be a light to those that we interact with,” Lahr said. “Don’t let yourself get caught up in the distractions that the world carries … instead look to honor God in all of your actions.”
Malaina Culbertson earned honors as the class salutatorian. Culbertson challenged the class to embrace the uncomfortable aspects of life. She acknowledged that new adventures and opportunities come with a fear of what may happen next. Culbertson urged the class to take on the opportunities that come their way with an earnest desire to learn.
“Today marks the end of an era for us all but the beginning of a lifetime of new adventures and an abundance of knowledge,” Culbertson said. “Let us start our incredible journey now with excitement and optimism as we go out into the world to make our dreams of today become our realities tomorrow. We are ready for it — all we have to do is welcome the uncomfortable and embrace the fear.”
Principal Kim Conner then spoke to the class. In an emotional speech, she recalled many great memories the class has given to the faculty, from cheering on Raider sports teams to senior pranks in her office.
“Your class may be small, but you are definitely a mighty memorable group,” Conner said. “We thank you for everything you’ve done for Southern Wells and wish you luck in your future endeavors.”
After the class made the walk to receive their diplomas, Class President Joshua Bricker gave a final address. He thanked the students for their hard work and the parents for their sacrifices in helping raise the now-graduated men and women and charged the class to embrace the memories they have made over their many years at Southern Wells Schools.
The class’ motto is “Looking ahead, but remembering our past.” The class song is “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins. Their colors are blue and silver, and the class flower is the white lily.
jonathan@news-banner.com
