Graduations Have Begun
Graduations Have Begun
by Samantha Acklie
It’s that time of year again! Graduation ceremonies have begun, and Pierce High’s class of 2014 has graduated. The ceremony took place on Saturday, May 10. Families and friends packed the Pierce High gymnasium and celebrated the commencement of the fifty-three seniors.
The ceremony began with the processional of the seniors while the band performed “Pomp and Circumstance” under the direction of band instructor Mike Sindt. Autumn Baumann, the class president, then welcomed everyone to the ceremony and thanked everyone who has helped the class succeed in their four years of high school. Senior Class Officer London Sindelar presented the class t-shirt to Mrs. Prahl in appreciation for all she has done for the class during their time at PHS. Then the choir performed a vocal selection that was directed by Connie Jessen, who was given a round of applause for her dedication, as she is retiring this year.
After the welcoming, principal Mark Brahmer presented many academic awards and scholars to the senior class. He announced Academic Letters to the following students: Autumn Baumann (3 years), Makayla Douglass (2 years), Michael Fleer (1 year), Ali Johnson (3 years), Charles Krueger (4 years), Caleb Lohrberg (4 years), Carly McElhose (2 years), Chris McWilliams (4 years), Dalton Polt (3 years), Briton Rodenborg (2 years), Lane Rohrich (3 years), Aydan Ronspies (4 years), London Sindelar (3 years), Myles Sudbeck (4 years), Alisha White (4 years), and Danika Wieting (4 years). Mark Brahmer also announced the following Honor Graduates: Caleb Lohrberg, Charles Krueger, Chris McWilliams, Aydan Ronspies, Myles Sudbeck, Alisha White, Danika Wieting, Ali Johnson, and Dalton Polt.
Presidential Scholars recognized included: Caleb Lohrberg, Charles Krueger, Danika Wieting, Chris McWilliams, Briton Rodenborg, Lane Rohrich, Ali Johnson, Myles Sudbeck, Dalton Polt, Autumn Baumann, Makayla Douglass, Michael Fleer, Taylor Aschoff, and London Sindelar. National Honor Society members also recognized included: Kristen Albrecht, Autumn Baumann, Jacy Bretschneider, Michael Fleer, Raymond Fleer, Ali Johnson, Charles Krueger, Caleb Lohrberg, Carly McElhose, Briton Rodenborg, Lane Rohrich, Aydan Ronspies, London Sindelar, Myles Sudbeck, Alisha White, and Danika Wieting.
Two students were then announced Scholar Athletes: female, Jacy Bretschneider and male, Lane Rohrich. Of the class of 2014, the top 10% went to: Caleb Lohrberg, Charles Krueger, Danika Wieting, Chris McWilliams, Ali Johnson, and Aydan Ronspies.
Charles Krueger, salutatorian, then took center stage and presented his class address. His speech filled the room with laughter, and he gave memorable advice to his fellow classmates. Caleb Lohrberg, valedictorian, also gave his class address. His speech was filled with powerful encouragement for the class to pursue throughout their lives.
Mary Birch, guidance counselor, announced the scholarships and awards that were given to the students. Alphabetically, students stood as their names were called, and Mrs. Birch read off the scholarships they have received. Following the scholarship awards, Kendall Steffensen, superintendent, gave a presentation of the class of 2014 that indicated each student’s eligibility of graduating before the diplomas were accepted. Ted Krienke, President of the Board of Education, then presented diplomas to students as they stepped onto the stage. Krienke shook hands with the students and posed for a picture before exiting the stage to take their seats. Mr. Brahmer concluded the ceremony and announced the graduating class of 2014. The class threw their hats, the crowd roared with applause, and the band performed “Antares” for the recessional.
The class motto, “Each of us has different talents, different dreams, and different destinations, but we all have the same power to make a new tomorrow,” reflected the senior class of 2014 extremely well and left their mark on Pierce High School.
