Paths of life are like hiking trails, twisting and turning

Each year, the Cornell Lions Club and Cornell High School, host an awards banquet, honoring students with high academic achievement. This year marked the 62nd annual event, held May 6, for family and friends.

Returning to her hometown roots to address the students, was 2015 Cornell High School graduate Brittney Hakes. She went on to earn associate’s degree in business management and human resource management from Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Hakes continued her education by earning a bachelor’s of science degree in business management from UW-Stout. She is currently employed as a human resource coordinator and data research analyst at UW-Eau Claire.

Originally, Hakes had a goal to open her own bakery, but plans change, as they often do.

The best advice Hakes wanted to impart to the students at her alma mater, is to keep moving forward.

“The path to success is not as straight and narrow as people would believe,” she said.

Hakes credits the course work at Cornell for her success, in allowing her to take dual credit classes, which provided Each year, the Cornell Lions Club asks the community to sponsor a $2,000 scholarship for one graduating high school senior. The award is then presented at an honors banquet in the spring. This year’s recipient of the scholarship, which was presented by Lions president Pat Denison (left), is Brandon Werlein.

much of her schooling to be paid for. Hakes encouraged students to do what they are passionate about, and be open to setting new goals and dreams in life.

“Have a plan, but know that the plan might change,” said Hakes. “If it does, that is OK.”