Don’t be sad, it’s only the end of the chapter
Chris Telisak made sure to add not only humor into the staff graduation speech, but also life advice to the class. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Cadott’s commencement ceremony, May 23, was one for the ages, as those present were kept in stitches and tears, as they sent off the graduating Class of 2025 in style.
Salutatorian Tarynn Donahue freely admitted she doesn’t have a lifetime of wisdom to offer, but asked herself what 70-year-old her would say.
“I think she would tell me, to always put forth my best effort,” said Donahue. “Do the hard work and put in the time, and the rest will fall into place.”
Another conversation between the teenager and her older self, would center around not having to be perfect, that failure can lead to success.
“Although I don’t have all the answers now and probably won’t for a while yet,” said Donahue, “what I can tell you, is we’ve come a long way.”
Valedictorian Adrianna Goodman agreed, in her own way, as she expressed gratitude to everyone who got the class where they are, whether it was parents, teachers, custodians, food service workers and community members. She also cautioned the younger class to not let someone’s last name intimidate them.
“Never let anyone convince you that they’re better than you,” she said. “Stand up tall for yourself and never let them look down on you.”
Chris Telisak, social studies teacher, was selected as this year’s special speaker and, at first, did not want to do the speech, but felt like he owed it to the class. Telisak delivered a humorous rendition of the happenings of the Class of 2025, calling students out by name, while the audience roared with laughter, no doubt well familiar with exactly what Telisak was talking about.
On a more serious note, Telisak shared that some of the students are entering the workforce, some the military and some furthering their education.
“And for those of you who aren’t exactly sure what path you want to pursue, that’s OK,” said Teilsak. “Despite what your parents may tell you, you still have time.”
While it sank in that this was probably the last time the class would ever be in the same room together, Telisak asked that the students not be sad, but look ahead to what is to come.
“It’s the end of the chapter, not the end of the book,” said Telisak.
Scholarships and awards presented, include the following:
• Warren Bowe – Anderson Trust Memorial, $1,000; Cadott Quarterback Club, $1,000; Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,397.40, renewable • Parker Davis – Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Frank & Janet Atkinson, $500; Jeremy Meyer Memorial, $500; Ruscin Memorial, $1,000
• Taliann Donahue – Tom Blanchette Wrestling, $200
• Tarynn Donahue – Albarado/Klay, $1,000; Junior High Student Council, $500
• Everett Forcier – Cadott Quarterback Club, $1,000
• Abigail Goettl – FFA Alumni, $500; Jerry Irwin Memorial, $250
• Adrianna Goodman – Academic Excellence, $2,250, renewable; Albert A. Tannler, $500; Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Elks National Foundation, $1,000; Eugene & Margaret King, $1,000; Jim Falls Lions Club, $1,000; National Honor Society, $250; Ruscin Memorial, $1,000; Ryan Wilson Memorial, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,397.40, renewable; UW-Milwaukee, $1,500, renewable • Trenten Hitz – Technical Excellence, $2,250, renewable
• Kaleb Lodahl – A. Pat Mrotek/Ed Lenard Cadott Wrestling Club, $600
• Kasey Moldrem – “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” Dr. Seuss, $1,000; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,397.40, renewable
• Liam Odden, Barbara Huffcutt-Garrett, $1,000
• Tucker Salzgeber – Frank & Janet Atkinson, $500; LeAnn Marie Frank, $500; Lila C. McConville, $500
• Keira Urbanek – Anderson Trust Memorial, $1,000; Bohemian Hall Lodge 141, $200; Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Edith C. Couey Memorial, $500; Jeremy Meyer, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,397.40, renewable; Women in Financial Markets, $2,500 Rilei Weeks – American Legion Auxiliary Merit, $500; Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500;
• Ewan Weir – Dr. Richard T. & Nancy P. Cheng Computer Science Renewable Endowed, $1,000; Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, $1,000; Lee Danielson and Larry Milling, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,397.40, renewable; UWStout Blue Devil 1st Year, $2,000
• Molli York – Bill Nye Cadott Wrestling, $400; Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), $100
