Saturday May 11, 2019 marked the 120th Commencement Ceremony of Newman Grove Public Schools. Nine young women and men made up the graduating class of 2019. The total number of students who have graduated from Newman Grove has now reached 3,590.
The students were led in procession by the Junior Class Honor Escorts McKenna Haase and Madison Friedrich. "Pomp and Circumstance", the traditional graduation processional, was played as they walked in. The class colors were blue and white, the class flower was a white rose tipped in blue, and the class motto "It matters not what you are thought to be, but what you are.”
Superintendent Mikal Shalikow provided a welcome address and encouraged the seniors to return to school and let the educators know how they are doing in future schooling and careers. Sarah Johnson, the class President, urged her classmates to keep pushing forward toward their goals. Sarah Johnson gave the Salutatorian address. She thanked each of the staff members, parents, and classmates for all they have done for them. She also talked about special memories and unique personalities of each of her classmates that made their years together unforgettable.
Ms. Theresa Schmedding, the school's Guidance Counselor, presented scholarship awards, and recognized individual students for their achievements. Students who maintained an "A" average throughout high school were Tyson Haddix-Jorgensen and Sarah Johnson. National Honor Society Members were Cheyenne Cleland, Tyson Haddix-Jorgensen, Sarah Johnson and Brady Sokol. The Valedictorian of the class Tyson Haddix-Jorgensen and the Salutatorian, Sarah Johnson were given awards. A total of 45 scholarships, with a value of $32,959.75 were presented to 7 students.
Tyson Haddix-Jorgensen gave the Valedictorian address. He said his classmates were like ships, now safe in the harbor but have been preparing to set sail out into the ocean. There will be challenges, but the school staff, faculty, parents, and families have helped get them ready for what lies ahead. They have made the most of what they had, and they should be ready for the 3C’s—choice, chance, and change.
The Senior slide show was presented. This year’s show was prepared by Cheyenne Cleland and Sarah Johnson. The members of the class then made special presentations of flowers while the song "Fast" by Luke Bryan was played.
Principal Darrell Barnes then presented the class to the President of the Board of Education, Mrs. Jeanie McCloud. After the students received their diplomas, they recessed from the gym to music by Imagine Dragons - "On Top of the World”.
Newman Grove Logo
