Don’t worry about succeeding, you have what it takes
The Class of 2025 went out as they always did, in a flashy way, as they celebrated stepping out into the world. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
For many students, it’s hard to believe that they’ve reached the end of their high school career, when it seems like they only just walked through the doors of the elementary school. Some, like Cornell Valedictorian Torren Parker shared at commencement May 23, changed districts, to a larger school.
There, he made friends and had fun – until middle school, when he struggled to fit in, and decided that the bigger school wasn’t for him and open enrolled back to Cornell.
“I appreciated the small school setting in Cornell, and wanted my dad to be my teacher,” said Parker.
It’s no secret that this class faced a lot of challenges, but that only shaped them into who they are today, something Parker encouraged his classmates to remember.
“As I stand here today, I realize that the opportunities we’ve had at Cornell, are genuinely endless,” he said. “From exploring our passions to diving deep into subjects that inspire us, these experiences have enriched our education and shaped our futures.”
As for Salutatorian Sorik Spangler, he’s always been somewhat of a perfectionist, but as graduation neared, “Looking back, I’ve come to realize that school was never about who got the best grades or who could throw the hardest,” said Spangler. “But, it was about surrounding myself with people who brought out the best in me, and inspired me to try new things and overall, become a better person.”
He also realized that it’s OK not to know what you’re going to do with your future or if you’re an “in between” kind of person, as long as you surround yourself with people who have your best interests in mind.
“The good thing about messing up, is that there will always be a lesson there and more knowledge learned at the end,” said Spangler. “The thing that we will never have to worry about, is succeeding at any path we decide to take, because each and every one of us has something special to offer, and speaks as to who we are as people and who we hope to be someday.”
Scholarships and awards presented, include the following: • Hunter Anders – American Legion, $1,000
• Molly Avery – Frances Cleaves, $400
• Alyssa Bowe – Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Dr. John & Marge Parker Honorary, $1,000; Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000
• Kenzi Bundrant – Excellence in Education, $100
• Emma Ducommun – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000
• Briana Glaus – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Robert H. Currie, $1,000; Tom’s Sales & Service, $500
• Torren Parker – Excellence in Education, $100; Wisconsin Excellence in Education, $9,000
• Richelle Raether – Eino Martino Family, $500; Bruce Conley Memorial, $1,000; Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial, $1,000
• Kandis Schmidt – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000 • Bralee Schroeder – Masonic, $400 • Izabelle Schwingle – Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial, $1,000; Spirit Club, $250; Technical Excellence, $6,750 • Sorik Spangler – Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Cindy Asplund Memorial, $8,000; Cornell Lions Club, $2,000; Doris Vennard Nursing, $2,500; Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Excellence in Education, $100; Marilyn Schroeder Memorial, $500; Tom’s Sales & Service, $500 • Lilyana Wry – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000
