Little Wolf High School commencement
By Holly Neumann
On Saturday, May 26, 61 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Little Wolf High School.
“This is it. Here we are on the day we thought would never come. I can honestly tell you, I have had some of the best days of my life with you guys,” said a teary-eyed Megan Pethke as she gave her welcome address.
Pethke paused for a moment, then took one last selfie with the rest of the class of 2018.
District Administrator Melanie Oppor and Principal Dan Wolfgram also addressed the class.
“The staff here at Little Wolf Jr/Sr High School has prepared you well for this next step,” said Wolfgram. “You are moving into the world, college and career ready.”
He said it takes a village to raise a child and that the community of Manawa has done their very best with the class of 2018.
Wolfgram encouraged the graduates to start small.
“Where will you start,” he asked. “Begin with just one small step and keep it up. Before you know it you will move mountains. Dream big, but start small.”
Oppor said home is where the story began for each of the graduates.
“Stay grounded in the values of home and this community” she said. “Dream big, take risks and grab opportunities that come your way. You are now ready to write the next chapter of your story.”
She told the students that they will remain on the minds and in the hearts of everyone, where ever life may take them.
Samantha Struzynski, who graduated summa cum laude, reflected back on her elementary days on the playground.
“I cannot count the days that I raced out to the tire swing with my best friend Anya,” she said. “That was my spot on the playground and I always returned there. Looking back this is also very similar to finding out where each of us stood in high school.”
Struzynski went on to say that the past four years have essentially served as a time to determine their destination on the wonderful playground of life.
She had this message for the Class of 2018.
“Never let time pass you by, smile and give thanks,” she said. “But most importantly, find your spot on the playground of life.”
Ethan Michalowski stated that the lives of the Class of 2018 are going to change dramatically once they walk out the doors of Little Wolf High School.
“Change isn’t something new to us, it’s been with us most of our lives,” he said. “We can make the most of that change by embracing every new opportunity we get. I encourage everyone to enter the world with an open mind and a willingness to take advantage of all the opportunities around you.”