SHS Class of 2019 Commencement Held With 154 Graduates

A perfect evening concluded the Sullivan High School Class of 2019 journey as 154 students celebrated their commencement ceremony held at Sullivan Athletic Stadium on Friday night, May 24, before a packed crowd of family, friends and faculty.

The ceremony began with the SHS Band. led by Chuck Moore, performing the processional of 154 students, which was followed by the National Anthem and welcome by SHS Principal Dr. Jennifer Schmidt.

Assistant Principal Jason Merkel presented the 65 honor graduates of the Class of 2019.

Dr. Bart Denbow, Assistant Principal, presented the Class of 2019 Top 10 that included in order: Kamryn Lohden, Emilie Blum, Madison Brauninger, Micaiah Foster, Kathleen Creek, Alexis Garner, Ellie Cuneio, Grace Dahms, Taylor Mercer and Zariah Richards.

Jessi Payne, A-Plus Coordinator, presented the 84 students who achieved completing the program, which will cover two years of college education.

Dr. Thomas Allen, Superintendent of Schools, recognized the Class of 1969, the honored guests of the Class of 2019. Allen highlighted the year 1969 and changes we have seen.

The Class of 1969 Class Motto was, “Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared; Class Colors were Blue and Silver and Class Flower was Forget-Me-Not.

The SHS Choir performed “A Million Dreams,” which was followed by Valedictorian Kamryn Lohden speech to her classmates and guests in attendance.

Lohden stated in her address, “As I began to think about what I would speak about tonight, everything started to hit me. We are graduating, moving on to the next chapter in life. And no matter how cliche that sounds it’s true. Every one of us that’s sitting here today is moving on to something new. We are about to experience a big change in our lives. Whether you are going to college to further your education, serve our country, go straight into the workforce, or maybe you are just moving to your parent’s basement..you are facing change. I don’t know how each of you feel, but I think deep down, everyone has a little fear of moving away from your parents, your family, and friends, or fear starting that new job. But the key to change, is to let go of that fear.”

Lohden went on to say, “As we reflect on these past four years, we cherish all these memories and the memories we all made with our beloved classmate, Mason Kirk. He taught us a lot, from every calculus lesson, to speaking your mind, and to do the best you can at whatever it is you want to do. We find comfort in the memories we had with him.

“My final advice is to embrace the change you are about to experience. Do not let fear stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing. Live your life to the fullest, make memories, and always remember where you came from, but never lose sight of where you are going.”

SHS Band then led the Class of 2019 and those in attendance in a performance of Stars and Stripes Forever by John Phillip Sousa.

Salutatorian Emile Blum then presented her address to fellow classmates stating, “We live in a society that likes to claim our generation as “‘less than’ and inferior. We’re constantly told that we’re lazy, unmotivated, and have had most of our achievements handed to us. However, as any parents, teacher, administrator, or student in this building knows; this is a bold-faced lie. In my 18 years of life I have had the privilege of growing up with some of the most intelligent and highly driven young men and women. We have laughed together, cried together, failed tests together, shown up late together (okay maybe that was only me), but most importantly we’ve grown together.”

Blum concluded her speech in part adding, “We are the generation of change, and no matter what your path in life seems to be, your ability to have a lasting impact remains the same. So please seniors and any other student in this room, go out and do something that matters go out and doo something amazing; but most importantly, go out and do something that you love, because it is passion that truly drives a person to do great things.”

The Class of 2019 Class Motto was; “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all,” Class Flower was Rose, Class Colors, White and Gold and Class Song, I’ll Be There for You, by The Rembrandys.