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Class of 2005 heads into the world
More than 230 seniors, who earned over $700,000 in scholarships, received their diplomas Friday during commencement exercises for the Mountain Home High School Class of 2005.
Beneath bright, sunny skies, the graduates filed in to Tiger Field, led by their instructors, as a capacity crowd of family and friends filled the stadium to watch them make the transition from student to adult.
Members of the school board handed each graduate their diploma as Principal Barry Cahill called their names out as they walked across the stage.
For Superintendent Jerrie LeFevre, who also handed out diplomas, it was a special moment, his last graduation. He is retiring this summer.
At the start of the hour-long ceremony Cahill asked the students to turn and applaud their parents who had helped guide them to this point. He also offered his praise not only for the high school teachers, but all the teachers in the district who had worked to prepare the students to reach graduation.
Cahill noted that the class had, so far, earned over $700,000 in scholarships, including more than $60,000 awarded from local businesses and organizations.
Class presdent Lindsey Engelhardt welcomed the crowd to the ceremonies.
"I would like to welcome all the families, friends and teachers who made it possible for us to be here today," she said.
"First off, I would like to thank the parents for making us achieve even when we would rather lie in bed all day. Your constant support did not go unnoticed. This is as much your day as it is ours.
"Next, I would like to thank the teachers that pushed us to accomplish and who were able to see our ability even if we could not. You encouraged us to learn and to push the boundaries of our minds. Thank you.
"Last but not least, I would like to thank my fellow graduates and friends. High school would not be the same with out you and I doubt that we would be who we are today had it not been for your influence. Together we shared the unwillingness to go to school, the pressures of homework, and personal problems.
"Because of you the drama of high school was easier to deal with. You made our high school experience a lasting memory."
Englehardt was followed by two of the six valedictorians for the class, Steven Oswald and Amanda Bitterman, who were the featured speakers. The other valedictorians were Megan Bates, David Sherman, Matthew Maurer, and Ashley Williams.
Oswald's was the more serious of the two speeches.
"We are always changing into something new, something dynamic, and something unique," he said. "Change is inevitable.
"As we evolve into the next stage Of our lives, remember to look forward, not backward. The ultimate goal is never in the past, so strive to be something. Develop a passion. Change is occurring, and those that look back will never see the future.
"Many of you are afraid of what is next. I am. It's normal to be afraid. Life is throwing us something and we don't know if we should dodge it or catch it and take off with it. Grasp it. Utilize all the knowledge you have gained and exert yourself wherever you go. Remember you only get one shot at life. Don't mess it up.
Aristotle's recipe for happiness requires you to be yourself, be rational, remember happiness is the goal, and balance yourself.
Never forget to have fun. Everything we want and strive for is because of the state of happiness. Most of us graduating today are feeling happiness. I know I am. Twelve years of balancing is a long time to keep your life straight.
"Each one of you has earned a smile today. So grin a little bit when you cross the stage, it's going be hard not to."
Oswald went on to note: "You can't rely on others all the time. Responsibility is waiting for you when you open your diploma. Use what you have acquired, laugh a little, shed a tear, and prosper."
Recalling the class motto, he said, "We cannot discover new oceans unless we have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
"Today, your feet are wet. Tonight, you will be swimming. Tomorrow, we will all be in our own ocean, swimming in a thousand different directions. We have all grown together, swimming the same path, treading the same water. It's remarkable how fast everything can change. It's time to get wet. Step across the stage. Dive into your ocean. Congratulations 2005, you now know how to swim."
Bitterman took a slightly more lighthearted approach in her speech.
"Some of our parents are sad to see us go and are dreading us leaving the nest. They have sworn to leave our rooms exactly the same with the exception of the "Achievement Wall" they are putting up. They have left the door open and have made the offer that we could come home at any time.
"On the other hand, some parents have actually helped their children pack and have already started redecorating their rooms. Yes, when we come home to visit, many of us will find our old rooms have been turned into craft rooms, work-out rooms, even guest rooms."
She noted that "graduation is a milestone and we are all stepping out into the world. Some of us will got to college, others to trade school, and some will go into the workforce, but one thing is the same, we all need to keep learning to succeed."
She offered some words of advice to her fellow graduates.
"Number one. Always keep in touch with your family because your parents may move away and not tell you!
"Number two. Now that you will be doing your own laundry you will be amazed at how many times you can wear and re-wear items of clothing. However, I suggest you invest in 30-plus pairs of underway for each day of the month.
"Number three. Your parents and relatives are extremely proud of you today. You can't imagine the sense of relief some of them are experiencing. Now would be a great time to ask for money.
"Number four. Someone once said, 'Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life."' Yea, right. I say, 'Find a job that has great benefits and plenty of vending machines.'
"Number five. Did I mention the part where your parents and relatives are very proud and this would be a great time to ask for money?
"Number six. Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
"Number seven. I don't care what anyone says, if it's microwaveable, it is a home-cooked meal. My mom taught me that. Just kidding, mom.
"Number eight. Surround yourself with positive people.
"Number nine. Laugh a lot.
"And number ten. Remember, your parents and relatives are very proud of you. Now is a great time to ask for money."
Music for the ceremonies was provided by the high school's band and choirs.
As the graduates crossed the stage, members of their class applauded them and called out to them, and when it was all over, and the caps had been tossed in the air, the graduates and their familie and friends collided on the field in a frenzy of hugs, handshakes and picture taking.