No matter what lies ahead, part of Holcombe goes along
Caitlyn Kolter (left) gave her flowers to her young cousin, Holiday, as family, friends and community members congratulated the new graduates. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
In front of family, friends, teachers and community members, 23 high school students took their final walk across Lake Holcombe’s stage May 20, as part of the annual commencement ceremony. While some of the students might think such pomp and circumstance are a giant waste of time, principal Chris Stahlheim shared that the ceremony is held as much for the community, as for the students.
That was especially evident by scholarships handed out to some of the graduating class, in the amount of more than $250,000.
“Lake Holcombe takes pride in being a strong community, that supports its school and students,” said Stahlheim. “I challenge you to become a community member and pay it forward for future generations, as these folks have.”
As Salutatorian Cead Ewer pointed out, the future to this class is open to many possibilities.
“No matter what you decide to do, we all have something in common – we all want to succeed,” he said.
Most people fail at least once in a lifetime, but Ewer told his fellow graduates not to let that discourage them from reaching their goals, since you have to fail to succeed.
“Failure is only a small part of success,” said Ewer. “The majority of success comes from hard work and determination.”
Valedictorian Kayden King knows that during their formative years, the class learned many life lessons, including that life will throw challenges that they have to overcome. It won’t be easy, but King says the kids are well-prepared, thanks to the dedication and attention of their teachers, no matter what comes their way – good or bad.
“But, it will be worth it, once we reach our goals,” she said.
Special speaker Pat Talbot was one who had the privilege of watching most of the class grow up, first as a third-grade teacher, then as the IMC/technology director. Although many of the students rolled their eyes, then and now, Talbot wanted them to know that life can be a bitter pill to swallow, so they need to get used to it and don’t give up.
As the next chapter of their life begins, Talbot passed on one final piece of advice to the Class of 2023.
“Remember who you are and where you came from,” said Talbot, adding that the community has been there for them since they were small children and that won’t end, simply because they are no longer in school. “As your journey leads you into new territory, we are all here as your biggest supporters. You are all a part of us and you always will be.”
Scholarships and awards presented, include the following:
• Cloey Birkenholz – Lee Wright Memorial, $500; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500; Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative
• Jaiden Cornell – Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative
• Cead Ewer – Technical Excellence, $2,250, per year
• Justine Kane – Lake Holcombe Lions Club; MSCH High School Healthcare
• Kayden King – Academic Excellence, $2,250, per year; Flambeau Bassmasters, $500; Excellence in Education, $100; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500
• Karly Kirkman – Jump River Electric, $1,000; Northland Community Club, $250; Holcombe United Methodist Church
• Caitlyn Kolter – Lake Holcombe Sanitation; Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carrier Association, $500; Northland Mardi Gras, $250; Judy Teske Memorial, $200; Excellence in Education, $100; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; American Red Cross, $250; Leos Club, $150; St. Norbert Trustee Distinguished, $108,000; St. Norbert Musical Excellence, $1,000, per year; Holcombe United Methodist Church
• Trenton Kron – Excellence in Education, $100
• Elle May Roshell – Michael & Vera Jansen, $1,000; Lee Wright Memorial, $500
• Max Sauerwein – Lake Holcombe Improvement Association; Cleaves; National Wild Turkey Federation, $250; Northland Community Club, $250; Lake Holcombe Lions Club; Leos Club, $150; St. Olaf Faculty, $108,000; Holcombe United Methodist Church; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500; Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance
• Shania Schroeder – Harley J. Hattamer Memorial, $1,000; Lee Wright Memorial, $500; MSCH High School Healthcare; Ladysmith Federal Savings & Loan; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500
• Hannah Wincek – Jump River Electric, $1,000; Lee Wright Memorial, $500; Trevor J. Pierce, $2,000; Holcombe United Methodist Church
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Always a favorite with students, IMC/technology director Pat Talbot was the special guest speaker May 20, sharing anecdotes from when the graduates were mere third graders, up until their senior year. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Cloey Birkenholz ran the gamut of emotions, with some tears shed for the days and memories she’ll never see again, along with the excitement of what comes next. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Valedictorian Kayden King[/caption]
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Salutatorian Cead Ewer[/caption]
