Be the biggest believer in yourself to follow your passion
It wasn’t so long ago, that Thea Hempel walked the halls of Lake Holcombe as a teacher, but for commencement, she returned as an honored speaker, imparting bits of wisdom to the senior class. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
As always, some kids were excited for their graduation day May 21, at Lake Holcombe School, while others didn’t even want to be there. But for the community, the rite of passage is affirmation that the students have thrived and grown, and are ready for the next chapter in their lives.
Salutatorian and self-proclaimed student section coordinator Carter Dixon began the speeches by thanking the community members for sharing the special day with the seniors.
“You’re the main reason we were able to get through these last four years,” said Dixon.
In trying to decide the best word to describe them as a class, Dixon said they take great pride in their school spirit, sometimes, even to a point, where people would say it’s cringe.
“But I don’t think anything about school spirit or trying to make something fun, is cringe,” he said.
Dixon also came up with the words trendsetters, procrastinators and togetherness.
“Whenever anyone needed help on something, there were numerous other students willing to help, even if they didn’t know what they were doing,” said Dixon.
He says he knows the class will miss each other, even if they won’t admit it, but that they have made a huge impact on his life.
‘I wish you the best on all your future endeavors and hope life treats you well,” said Dixon.
Graci Willmarth, Valedictorian, then took a turn at the podium, speaking about a step back in time, looking back all the way to preschool, when the students quickly learned which colored slips sent home were good – and which ones were bad. The kids were then asked in kindergarten what they wanted to do when they grew up.
Some answered that they wanted to be firefighters, doctors or princesses.
“But I decided I wanted to stay at home with my mom,” said Willmarth.
In third grade, Willmarth and the class experienced government in Mr. Talbot’s class, where the kids were united in their efforts to come up with a solution. As the years passed, classes grew harder and classmates were separated, as more and more responsibility came along with the territory.
Willmarth said when the class began high school, they thought it was going to be a long road, but the trip flew by. She says the support of teachers, family, friends and community members got the kids to where they are now.
“The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step,” said Willmarth.
In closing, Willmarth spoke to her classmates, telling them she is glad they could make their journey together and reminded them to go after what they want in life.
“It’s important to remember to do what you’re passionate about, no matter what anyone says and be the biggest believer in yourself.”
This year, former Lake Holcombe teacher and current professor at CVTC Thea Hempel, spoke to the class she knows so well, about this thing called life, in an “old school” session. The 10 Tips from Thea imparted advice to the kids, such as staying off their phones, choosing who influences them, and not to “ghost” their jobs or volunteering.
“Show up, people need you,” said Hempel. “Your community needs you, your workplace needs you. Show up.”
Hempel also counseled that before making a big decision, the youth make sure it’s a decision they can be proud of at the end of their life and to be sure of what they believe. She asked that the kids be open to new ideas, but to stand firm in their beliefs.
“It’s OK not to believe or like ideas, things and people, it is your right,” she said. “But why is it leading to people actually hating one another? Learn to love people, even when you don’t like them. It can change the world.”
Scholarships and awards presented, include the following:
• Hannah Boiteau – Doris Venard Nursing; Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative; Flambeau Bassmasters; Lake Holcombe Lions Club Four-Year College
• Carter Dixon – Chippewa Valley Electric; Harley J. Hattamer Memorial; Judy Teske Memorial; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club Four-Year College; Trevor J. Pierce
• Elizabeth Guthman – American Red Cross; Chippewa Valley Electric
• Nate Jones – Technical Excellence
• Olivia Larson – Chippewa Valley Electric; Lake Holcombe Sanitation; Lake Holcombe Lions Club Technical College
• Brooke Lechleitner – Jump River Electric; Security Financial; Central Connecticut State University-Full Tutition
• Megan Luethi – Chippewa Valley Electric; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club Four-Year College; Holcombe United Methodist Church; U.S. Bowling Congress
• Carly Vavra – Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative; Ladysmith Federal; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club Four-Year College; National Wild Turkey Federation
• Graci Willmarth – Academic Excellence; American Legion; Chippewa Valley Electric; Cleaves; Leos Club; Lake Holcombe Lions Club Four-Year College
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Valedictorian Graci Willmarth (right) not only had an inspirational speech, but brought many in the crowd to tears, when she grabbed and hugged her mother/ school board member Anneleise Willmarth. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Salutatorian Carter Dixon brought laughter in his speech at Lake Holcombe graduation May 18, even trying to convince the audience the “dab” is ready to trend once more. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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For some, it was an emotional time, as goodbyes were said and well wishes were exchanged, after the ceremony was complete. Like for Jacob Stender (left) and Sam Ewer, it was a time for friends, classmates and family to congratulate them, on a job well done. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
