Class of 2017 headed for new challenges

Twenty-four seniors graduated this year from Wrangell High School. A special commencement was held at the school gym on May 19, decked out with school colors, balloons and red carpet.

All students in the year's class qualified for graduation this year, and many will be continuing their educations this coming fall. Together they earned a considerable number of scholarships as well.

"That is quite an accomplishment, you guys," school counselor Kerry Nordstrom told the class at its awards ceremony on May 17. Students were offered about $599,000 in awards at last count. "We still have more scholarships pending. It could still be a lot higher."

At commencement, the accomplishments of the outgoing class were highlighted in a special class slide show, produced by Heather Howe, Matt Gore and Kellan Eagle. Letters from each student's parents or significant figures in their lives were read as well, marking their accomplishments but also offering words of encouragement on life's travels lying ahead.

For the outgoing class' commencement address, retired science teacher Butch Schmidt took the lectern. For Schmidt it was his sixth time speaking to an outgoing class. "It's fun. I like doing it," he said.

Though retired for the past eight years, he had gotten to know many among the Class of 2017 through substitute teaching. "I long-term subbed when they were in fifth grade," he recalled, and again during their sophomore year.

A popular teacher among students during his 29-year tenure, Schmidt's science curriculum made use of hands-on projects and activities, part of a multi-aspected approach to education he hoped would help make lessons more memorable.

He reminded the assembled students these things, but began with an address to their parents in the audience. "Moms and dads, 13 years ago you sent your little babies off to kindergarten, and you worried how they would ever survive," Schmidt said. "Well almost 2,500 lunches later they are bigger, but they are still your babies."

He congratulated the parents in the audience for a job well done, putting in at least as much effort as the graduating students in getting them to this point. "Getting up every morning,

getting clothes ready, making sure homework was done,

studying for all those spelling tests, working on science projects," he listed. "Good job, parents."

"Your parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, since you were babies, have altered their lives to help you become the successes you are today," he reminded the outgoing class. "They would help you in all your accomplishments, console you when your favorite toy was lost or broken – and don't forget who is still feeding that cat or dog you just had to have, and promised you would take care of all by yourself. Basically you are very fortunate to have grown up in such a caring community."

However, though their families will still be there for support Schmidt warned that things will soon be changing. There will be traditional challenges to growing up, but new ones as well posed by technological innovations and an evolving job market.

"What is most important will be your accomplishments from tonight on. You will not have your mom or dad cleaning up after you. You are on your own now – you are young adults and we expect to see proof of that in the near future."

He exhorted the students to work hard and make the most of their educations. "Continuous effort, not intelligence or strength, is the key to unlocking your potential," he said. Not only to get the things they want in life but also to giving back to their communities and society in general. Part of that is through staying involved, and being more responsible and mindful of their decision making.

Students also had an opportunity to address their peers, with three seniors sharing the role of valedictorian.

"Congratulations Class of 2017. We made it," said one, Siguard Decker. He intends to head to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and among his scholarships has received a $15,000 annual grant for his studies.

"These are truly a special group of kids," he said. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a livelier, more friendly bunch of graduating seniors."

Decker had several choice words of wisdom to share, one set coming from comedian Jim Carrey: "You can fail at doing what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance doing what you love."

Co-valedictorian Reyn Hutten had similar sentiments for her classmates: "Choose to enjoy each and every moment of your life. Only you are responsible for your own happiness. Your life is yours, and it is what you make it. Set high standards, collect exciting experiences, be an overachiever and impress yourself."

Hutten will be headed to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire next year, and is the recipient of a number of

scholarships and financial awards.

Co-valedictorian Trent Stokes will be headed to Dixie State University in Utah, on a presidential scholarship of $13,119 for four years. He was thankful to the parents, teachers and community members who had made this year's graduation possible.

"I can't thank you enough for all that you've done, for not only me but for my fellow classmates," he said. "It has been a journey worth celebrating but without your support I think it's fair to say that many of us would not have been able to achieve our accomplishments."

To his friends Stokes added: "Be kind, be safe, and make a difference."