SHS Class of 2018 graduation: Youth cross bridge to a promising future

New this year, student-decorated mortarboards.

Mortarboards: symbols of creative expression and statements of gratitude.

As with the graduates, all are unique. No two are identical.

The gym is packed.

The High School Band, led by director Patty Pniewski, warms up.

Members of the Board of Education assemble in anticipation of leading the processional. L-R: Cindy Lance, Larry Ostrander, Judy Heeney, Chris Kruger, Carrie Graham, Kary Gee, Garrick Rochow.

Women of the Stockbridge Board of Education gather prior to leading the procession into the graduation ceremony. Standing to seated: Judy Heeney, Carrie Graham, Cindy Lance and Kary Gee.

Superintendent Karl Heidrich enters as the band plays the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Superintendent Heidrich takes the podium overlooking a sea of self-expressive mortarboards.

Senior Class President Madison Howard thanks everyone, congratulates her classmates, and reflects on the impact of attending a great school. Later, Madi reflects on senior year and refers to it as “the year we’ve been waiting for.” Then she explains that while there were times when she couldn’t wait to leave, now she feels sad to have her high school years draw to a close. “We are who we are because of this school,” she adds wistfully.

Reflections: Class officers take a turn at the podium. Senior Class Secretary Jade Heaviland recalls freshman year and the scary time of entering high school for the first time. It “feels like 100 years ago,“ she says.

Senior Class Treasurer Faith Whitt speaks of sophomore year as the “year to discover yourself.”

Senior Class Vice President Morgan Sipes reflects on junior year. “Kinda sucks,” she says, “SAT tests and AP classes–only a little while left before having to leave school.”

After technical difficulties with the music, Elizabeth Salyer received a standing ovation from the senior class after she sang “The Climb.”

Thirteen-year-teacher, Jennifer Leuneberg speaks to the graduating seniors about the many academic requirements that have shaped this class for their future. “It’s now your turn to expand your world,” she says.

Valedictorian Aylenna Crabtree speaks to the importance of being a good listener. “Silence can be incredibly loud,” she says while Faith Whitt colors a puzzle piece. Erin Keiser attaches the puzzle piece to a board.

Valedictorian Kayla Drew speaks about home and the things this class will miss as they move forward. Whitt colors another puzzle piece that Erin Keiser attaches to a board.

Valedictorian Madison Howard speaks of experiences, times of success and failure. Be involved, she says. Faith Whitt colors another puzzle piece that Keiser attaches.

Valedictorian Kaylee Samulak speaks of character, things we have in common and things that shape us. Faith Whitt colors another puzzle piece and Erin Keiser attaches it.

Valedictorian Faith Whitt talks about creativity and adds the final puzzle piece.

First-year Principal Trapp gives advice to the class of 2018: 1) Live with a sense of purpose. 2) Focus on intentional acts in everything you do.

Principal Jeff Trapp makes a recommendation to School Board President Carrie Graham to graduate the high school class of 2018. Thus, graduation ceremony draws to a conclusion.

Afterward, Faith Whitt displays the puzzle that she and the other valedictorians assembled piece by piece.