If one tried to describe Lebanon High School’s Class of 2025, it might be something along the lines of “growth-minded,” “adventurers” or “transformative learners.”
That’s because learning from experiences and challenges was a common theme found intertwined in the speeches from the class valedictorians during their high school graduation on June 3.
At the opening of the ceremony, Principal Craig Swanson pointed out that this is the first class to go through the entire four years of high school after COVID’s disruption.
They had a childhood interrupted by a worldwide pandemic, and then entered the final stages of their education having to readjust from the chaos. But perhaps that would explain why everyone talked about trying new things and learning from challenges.
Valedictorian Roberto Ponce urged his classmates to take opportunities when they arise because – even if there is minimal interest in it – they might still learn something or, heck, they may even find they love it. And for the things they want to learn, “take your time” because it takes time to be good at something.
Valedictorians Elexis Welstad thanked those who provided her a place to “grow and thrive,” and Brooklyn Barnes urged the class to not be sidetracked by those who judge them – a lesson she learned throughout high school.
“There is no reason to be afraid,” Barnes said. “You can face this. Everything you lose is a step you take.”
Both Welstad and Barnes called the class to make graduation a valuable memory as they embark on a new chapter. Valedictorian Gracie Hansen also reminded the Class of 2025 that graduation was just the end of one chapter, and they were about to enter the rest of their book.
“As we take on the world, let’s remember to try new things, explore opportunities and remember to call our parents once in a while,” Hansen said.
Valedictorian Eric Natterer said that great memories are created from not being afraid to try, and most regrets revolve around the things never tried.
“Within each and every failure is an opportunity, the opportunity to try again. We can’t always control the outcome, but we can always control our effort,” he said. “Even in failure we gain something: the strength to keep going and the confidence to stop caring what others think.”
Valedictorian Nora Horne reflected on her experiences through high school, learning to be herself and not be embarrassed to try new things. She reminded the class they are about to enter the world where there will be guaranteed mistakes and failures.
“Let’s go forth, fail together and find new things to bring us joy,” Horne said.
And it was Valedictorian Emily Gerig who told the class that everything happens for a reason, that struggling is part of living, that not everything can be controlled. Take chances, she said. Don’t have regrets.
Gerig said she learned to weather the curve balls thrown her way and not give up.
“Nobody said it would be easy; they just promised it would be worth it,” she said. “Keep pushing, even when it feels like the world is happening to you, but don’t forget that you are also happening to the world.”
A curve ball inflicted upon school district staff and guests at graduation came in the form of limited seating, but out of that came a perfectly executed ceremony under the banner of “the absolute best graduation weather ever,” Swanson said.
Due to recent concerns about the safety of Heath Stadium’s grandstand, the tiered seating was off limits for graduation, forcing the school district to alter its usual arrangement for visiting friends and family. As such, Heath Stadium was used as a backdrop for the ceremony, with the graduating class situated in the middle of the football field, flanked on either side by guests.
Swanson and Supt. Jennifer Meckley lauded the Class of 2025, with Swanson making note of the class’ particular achievements in sports, JROTC, FFA, certifications earned, scholarships and degrees received, cheer and dance, and band, choir and theater.
“The journey you have taken to reach this day hasn’t always been easy, but through hard work, persistence and courage, you made it,” Meckley said. “You weathered challenges, but also have seized opportunities, and in doing so, you’ve shown the strength, heart and resilience that define what it means to be a Lebanon Warrior.”
