Class of 2022 starts small, but dreams big
Salutatorian Brendan Mercer took time to thank those who made his high school experience great, including teachers, school staff, his family and his classmates. Photo by Julia Wolf
By Julia Wolf
Cornell High School’s 106th graduating class celebrated, as one chapter of their life came to a close, and another chapter began, as they walked the stage to receive their high school diplomas May 27.
“This is a small, but mighty, class,” said Dave Elliott, Cornell High School principal.
Despite the small size, the 15 seniors earned 329 col- lege credits, prior to graduation.
“Graduation is not just a celebration of the students sitting behind me,” said Elliott, “it is also a celebration of those sitting in front of me.”
He says the parents and guardians also played a huge role in the students’ success.
Then, valedictorian Elijah Turany took the stage. When thinking back on his high school experience, he was filled with many memories. He says the memories of the tests, papers and endless worksheets, were far outnumbered by the memories of the people he spent the most time with – his classmates.
Decorating for prom until 3 a.m., going to school without sleeping after seeing how late he could stay up with his class and having the winning hallway “stolen” from them for three Homecomings, were just some of those memories.
Turany says the class became more tight knit as they went through high school and firmly believes they will keep in touch as they move into adulthood.
“We may be a small class, from a small school, but the education, experiences and opportunities we have been given have prepared us to go out and leave our mark on the world, for the better,” said Turany. “I personally anticipate great things from each and every member of this class.”
When addressing those still in high school, Turany offered advice.
“Cherish the time you spend with your classmates,” said Turany. “Join the clubs, do the activities and try new things. As hard as it is to believe now, the time goes faster than you’ll want it to.”
Salutatorian Brendan Mercer decided to skip saying anything profound or inspirational in his speech, instead
Graduating senior Karl Garrett shows off his diploma, as he took time for pictures with family and friends, following the graduation ceremony.
taking time to thank those who influenced him throughout his school career, including teachers, school staff and his family.
“The education and high school experience I have received would not be as great, if not for your effort,” said Mercer.
Finally, Mercer addressed his classmates directly. “You all have changed me for the better,” said Mercer. Scholarships presented include the following:
• Brodie Braaten – Edith B. Arnhold; Frances Cleaves; Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial
• Ryan Helland – Chippewa Valley Electric; Masonic; Technical Excellence
• Hailey Hudson – R.L. Hendrickson
• Aleah Hughes – Excellence in Education; FFA; Greenhouse; Robert H. Currie
• Brenden Mercer – Blue Devil; Cornell Lions Club; Edith B. Arnhold; Excellence in Education; Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial
• Jordan Rosolowski – Cornell Teachers; Bruce Conley Memorial
• Elijah Turany – Cornell Spirit Club; Edith B. Arnhold; Excellence in Education; Rath Foundation Academic; Tom’s Sales & Service; Wisconsin Excellence in Education
• Jayda Turchen – Citizen’s State Bank; Dr. John and Marge Parker; Marilyn Schroeder Memorial; Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial; R.L. Hendrickson; Tom’s Sales & Service
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Jayda Turchen processed in, with her class, as part of the commencement exercises, as Pomp and Circumstance played in the background. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
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Cornell Class of 2022 valedictorian Elijah Turany (right) was all smiles, as he accepted his diploma from school board member Eileen Sikora, during graduation May 27. Turany also shared his memories of the tight-knit class in a speech. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
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Graduating senior Karl Garrett shows off his diploma, as he took time for pictures with family and friends, following the graduation ceremony. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
