The Class of 2024 is ready to inspire, wherever they go
By Ginna Young
Not everyone agrees about everything all of the time, but when it comes to high school graduation, Lake Holcombe is right there to support the class. The same was so for the Class of 2024, as the community turned out to wish the graduates well May 18.
It was a last chance for family and friends to take a photo of their special young adult, and the last time the kids would have to suffer through giving a high school speech.
“As I reflect on my time here in Holcombe, I realize the benefits we all have from getting to grow up in such a tight knit community,” said Salutatorian Ava Story. “Our district may lack in size, but it more than makes up for it with a ton of grand hospitality.”
As part of their time at Lake Holcombe, Story believes it has shaped the students into the individuals they are today. Even through hardships, the class continued to live and grow.
“Our future now rests in our hands and it’s ours to shape,” said Story.
As for Valedictorian Coral Hill, memories came flooding back when she stumbled across a sheet of paper in her files, about what the class wanted to be when they grew up. Most of the answers were doctors and police officers, but some also wanted to be princesses and movie stars.
“We had dreams of being able to help the people around us...and also being able to wear cool outfits in the process,” said Hill.
Now that the class is well on their way to what they have planned for their life, Hill is certain they’ll be successful, whether by entering the workforce or attending college far from home.
“I’m proud to say that all of us before you have a shared sense of determination and amazing potential to do great things in our future endeavors,” said Hill.
No one knows better than Mary Jean Hornick, the class’ chosen speaker, how the students have worked hard to get where they are and while she is proud of them for it, she wants them to remember this is just the beginning of the journey. Hornick asked them to cherish the memories they’ve made in Holcombe, and stay connected to their roots. “So, go forth with courage and conviction,” she said, “by making good choices and may you continue to inspire, wherever life takes you.” Scholarships and awards presented, include the following:
• Dana Brosted – Jump River Electric, $1,000; Trevor J. Pierce, $2,000; Lake Holcombe Lions Club, $1,000; Holcombe United Methodist Church, $500 Brooklyn Craker – Lake Holcombe Lions Club, $500; Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative, $150
• Ella Hartzell – Technical Excellence, $2,250 annual; Lake Holcombe Improvement Association, $1,000; Excellence in Education, $100; Lake Holcombe Lions Club, $500; Flambeau Mountain Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, $250; Leos Club, $150; Holcombe United Methodist Church, $500; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500
• Blake Hilger – National Farmworker Jobs Program, $5,000
• Coral Hill, Academic Excellence, $2,250/per year; Lake Holcombe Sanitation, $250; Excellence in Education, $100; Lake Holcombe Lions Club, $1,000; Flambeau Mountain Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, $250; UW-River Falls Falcon Soar, $2,000; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500 • Abby Kane – Ladysmith Federal Savings & Loan, $500 • AnnaMay Kane – Lee Wright Memorial, $250
• Mikaylah King – Jump River Electric, $1,000; Harley J. Hattamer, $1,000
• Emma Lechleitner – Security Financial Bank, $500; American Legion, $1,000; Northwest Regional Builders Exchange, $500; River Valley Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, $300; Holcombe United Methodist Church, $500
• Mykalah McCoy – Security Health Plan, $250
• Trent Nitek – Security Health Plan, $250; University of Minnesota-Duluth Athletic, $7,000
• Quinn Porter – Lake Holcombe Lions Club, $1,000; Leos Club, $150; American Red Cross, $250
• Drayven Sande – Cleaves, $200; Al & Bonnie Dixon Initiative, $150
• Danny Sinnette – Flambeau Bassmasters, $500; Excellence in Education, $100; Chippewa Valley Mechanical Youth
• Ava Story – Lake Holcombe Lions Club, $1,000; American Red Cross, $250
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Mary Jean Hornick is a favorite staff member among students at Lake Holcombe, so she spoke to the Class of 2024 at their commencement ceremony. Some memories she shared were funny, while others made one think about the future that lies ahead for the students. Hornick wanted the kids to know how proud she is of them, how much she’ll miss them and how much she loves them. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Quinn Porter seemed happy to be done with his high school career – or he may have just been relieved to be out of the hot school building. Those who wished to offer congratulations gathered outside the entryway doors, for photos and a last hug. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
