MONROE - Members of the Class of 2013 bid their final farewells to Monroe High School at the school's 140th commencement Sunday, June 2 in the school gymnasium.
The class motto, "Believe in yourself, not only for what you are now but (also) for what you have the power to become," reverberated throughout the commencement ceremony.
Senior Claire Dombkowski gave the welcome, reflecting on the class members' early years as "timid freshmen" who grew to achieve life-long friendships, as well as learning experiences, particularly from their travels and athletic accomplishments.
Dombkowski recognized parents, friends and extended family members, teachers, coaches and community members for guiding the students toward those achievements. She also encouraged her classmates to take time to celebrate those achievements.
The graduation ceremony would be "the last time together" for some of the classmates, she said. "Some we'll never see again ... Use the time to value the friendships."
Senior Oliver Lees took time to recall many childhood movies, shows and stars who "are long gone" - an indication that the class has traveled through history for a time - and asked if any of his classmates were "feeling old yet?"
The moment of graduation after "12 years of hard work" had come with an infliction of senior-itis, he said. Graduation was being faced with nervousness, knowing the 12-year routine will end, new chapters would open and life would change, he added.
A "break in emotions" of "joy, sadness, confusion and fear or nervousness" would accompany the class, Lees said. But they were "ready to overcome these emotions" and to hold tight to the pride in their achievement of the past and in the future as Monroe Cheesemakers.
English teacher Brock Linde gave the commencement address. Linde was a new teacher when he arrived at Monroe High School as the now-graduating class came in as freshmen. While graduation ceremonies often reflect on what teachers did for their classes, Linde said the Monroe graduating seniors had also made the new teacher "a better person."
Graduation is not an end but a beginning, Linde said. The graduates need to reflect on the past, commit to the future and enjoy their achievements, he added.
"What you chose to do is second to why you chose to do it," Linde said.
But he also encouraged them to go beyond those virtues to have "visions, not dreams; expectations, not goals;" and convictions.
"Do ... or do not. There is no try," Linde said, quoting the "Star Wars" movie character, Yoda.
Rick Waski, Monroe High School principal, presented Dombkowski and David Kelly this year's class citizenship awards, the school's highest award for leadership and service in the school and community.
Senior choir members, joined by the high school a cappella choir and directed by Judy Bennett, vocal music director, performed "Defying Gravity" from the Broadway show "Wicked." Senior band members were joined by the high school wind ensemble to perform "Civilization IV," directed by Dan Henkel, instrumental music director.
The class motto, "Believe in yourself, not only for what you are now but (also) for what you have the power to become," reverberated throughout the commencement ceremony.
Senior Claire Dombkowski gave the welcome, reflecting on the class members' early years as "timid freshmen" who grew to achieve life-long friendships, as well as learning experiences, particularly from their travels and athletic accomplishments.
Dombkowski recognized parents, friends and extended family members, teachers, coaches and community members for guiding the students toward those achievements. She also encouraged her classmates to take time to celebrate those achievements.
The graduation ceremony would be "the last time together" for some of the classmates, she said. "Some we'll never see again ... Use the time to value the friendships."
Senior Oliver Lees took time to recall many childhood movies, shows and stars who "are long gone" - an indication that the class has traveled through history for a time - and asked if any of his classmates were "feeling old yet?"
The moment of graduation after "12 years of hard work" had come with an infliction of senior-itis, he said. Graduation was being faced with nervousness, knowing the 12-year routine will end, new chapters would open and life would change, he added.
A "break in emotions" of "joy, sadness, confusion and fear or nervousness" would accompany the class, Lees said. But they were "ready to overcome these emotions" and to hold tight to the pride in their achievement of the past and in the future as Monroe Cheesemakers.
English teacher Brock Linde gave the commencement address. Linde was a new teacher when he arrived at Monroe High School as the now-graduating class came in as freshmen. While graduation ceremonies often reflect on what teachers did for their classes, Linde said the Monroe graduating seniors had also made the new teacher "a better person."
Graduation is not an end but a beginning, Linde said. The graduates need to reflect on the past, commit to the future and enjoy their achievements, he added.
"What you chose to do is second to why you chose to do it," Linde said.
But he also encouraged them to go beyond those virtues to have "visions, not dreams; expectations, not goals;" and convictions.
"Do ... or do not. There is no try," Linde said, quoting the "Star Wars" movie character, Yoda.
Rick Waski, Monroe High School principal, presented Dombkowski and David Kelly this year's class citizenship awards, the school's highest award for leadership and service in the school and community.
Senior choir members, joined by the high school a cappella choir and directed by Judy Bennett, vocal music director, performed "Defying Gravity" from the Broadway show "Wicked." Senior band members were joined by the high school wind ensemble to perform "Civilization IV," directed by Dan Henkel, instrumental music director.