Graduates savor the journey

One hundred and two Clear Lake High School seniors enjoyed a trip down memory lane and then a walk across the stage as they were presented diplomas Sunday.

Senior class speakers Gretchen Jones and Max McKenna each reminded classmates of their journey through the years, with each concluding the 4,651 days that have passed seem like yesterday.

“In another 4,651 days, we will have taken different paths and will be spread out across the state, country, and maybe even the world,” said Jones.  She noted the Class of 2018 has had many experiences unique only to those in their grade including being the last second grade class to have gone through Lincoln Schools’ doors.  The class said goodbye to Lincoln and moved to Clear Creek Elementary, a new school in stark contrast to Lincoln. As they were ready to enter sixth grade, construction at the middle school sent the class back to Sunset School.

“Our class has had many individual and team state appearances; state championships in baseball, golf, and dance; numerous students selected into All State band or choir-some more than once; and so many other accomplishments. Along with these happy memories, we have all

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endured the sadness of losing a classmate who will always be remembered and missed. Our unique experiences continued almost up until graduation. What grade would be more fitting to have their senior prom on a Sunday afternoon?” asked Jones.

Senior Max McKenna also said the time spent as sixth graders at Sunset brought the class together. “With our year isolated at Sunset we were the “Top Dogs” for two years straight.  We might not all be best friends, but we know we can depend on each other, and we can carry that with us going forward into our next chapters.”

McKenna said he was grateful for the unique support the community provides its students.

“From the unathletic grade, to the class that refreshed and added to the foundation to carry out our school’s prestigious legacy. Look around at all the banners, not every gym has its walls lined like we do and, I know for a fact that most communities don’t support their athletics like ours does. I mean, how many gold cards and tubs of cookie dough do people actually need? Yes, we succeeded on fields and courts, but we also had tremendous success on stage, helping revive our bands and choirs, not only improving the enrollment but also receiving great ratings at many contests. The thing that we should all be the proudest of is our academic success. There are six 4.0 students graduating, and 47 A honor roll students. That alone shows a lot of hard work and dedication. These life skills will help us thrive as we go our separate ways to transform from sons and daughters, to successful husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers. From students to contributing members of society.”

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