Perseverance will endure with support from community
By Ginna Young
It was an emotional day for those gathered at Lake Holcombe School and watching at home, as the Class of 2021 stepped into the future. For some, it seemed that day would never come, while others couldn’t believe how fast high school graduation came knocking.
One thing that didn’t come as a surprise to Salutatorian Kaitlyn Heinzen May 22, was the support and strength of the community she calls home.
“Our community has always persevered, by standing together, no matter what they had to face,” said Heinzen. “Without our strong community, we would not have this amazing school and the memories inside.”
Heinzen says she truly believes that the difficulties, failure and opposition the class has endured, has made them all stronger.
“Personally, I am thankful for that lesson as I go off into this world,” she said. “So, I would like to leave you with this: never give up, keep persevering, because we will always have this community, family and friends, to stand behind us.”
It was then time for Valedictorian Tate Sauerwein to leave his school with final thoughts. Sauerwein kept the crowd in stitches, as he regaled people with the many times he was required to write a note of apology, after doing something wrong.
Whether is was drawing with a Sharpie on the back of someone’s neck, getting kicked off the bus or fighting with a friend at recess, then quickly making up with said friend, Sauerwein said he and the class have matured an astonishing amount.
“So, this brings us to high school, where, without a doubt came the biggest lessons yet...” he said. “Sadly, it started with a pretty tough one, when all of us came face to face with the harsh reality that sometimes, life is just way too short.”
The years that followed were not as hard, and for Sauerwein, they were just as significant in molding him into the young man that stood there that day. To begin their journey, Sauerwein wanted to share advice he learned, such as having goals.
“Don’t hesitate to challenge yourself and to dream big,” said Sauerwein. “And while doing so, don’t ever let anyone tell you, you can’t. And if they do, you prove them wrong. Because anything is possible with hard work and determination.”
Sauerwein encouraged people to study and apply themselves, join a club, play a sport and be invloved.
“Serve your community – the folks you will meet are some of the best and they will offer you a ton of support in years to come,” he said. “But no matter my story or yours, let’s show them what the Class of 2021 is made of.”
Scholarships and awards presented, include the following:
• Karlee Andres – Technical Excellence; Chippewa Valley Electric; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; Holcombe United Methodist Church; Sheldon Ambulance Service
• Allison Golat-Hattamer – American Red Cross; Chippewa Valley Electric; Harley J. Hattamer Memorial; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; Trevor J. Pierce; Excellence in Education
• Kaitlyn Heinzen – Academic Excellence; American Red Cross; Excellence in Education
• Brandon Nitek – Lake Holcombe Improvement Association • Bailey O’Connor – Jump River Electric; Lake Holcombe Lions Club
• Jack Porter – Cleaves; Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative; Judy Teske Memorial; Lake Holcombe Resort & Business Association; Lake Holcombe Sanitation; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; Holcombe United Methodist Church; Trevor J. Pierce; U.S. Bowling Congress
• Tate Sauerwein – American Red Cross; Chippewa Valley Electric; Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative; Flambeau Bassmasters; Ladysmith Federal; Lakeland Conference Honor Society; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; Holcombe United Methodist Church; National Wild Turkey Federation; Excellence in Education; St. Olaf Presidential
• Cat Villalpando – Jump River Electric
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Classmates Brock Flater and Allison Golat-Hattamer pose for one last photo at their alma mater. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Lake Holcombe School principal Mark Porter took a bow, as school board vice president Matt Flater led a standing ovation for the administrator, who is retiring at the end of the school year in June. Flater said during the 2021 graduation ceremony, that a principal’s hard work may often go unnoticed, but that they play a huge role in the success of staff, teachers and students in the district. He thanked Porter for his service in making a difference in the Lake Holcombe School District. “We have had the privilege and honor to have one of the best in the business, for the last 21 years,” said Flater. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Ryan Kirkman adjusts his tassel when greeting family and friends outdoors, after commencement. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Will Kliegle gets a hug after the ceremony from a well-wisher. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
