Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
FIVE GRADUATING seniors at Wakefield-Marenisco High School peruse the program just before the start of a May 24 commencement ceremony. From left, front, are Bryce Andrew Rooni, Brandon Gerald Nordine (with U.S. Army sash) and Jordan Scott Libertoski; and in back, Luke David Wasielewski and Nathan James Londo.
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield - Spirits were high at a May 24 commencement ceremony at the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School.
Eighteen students graduated from high school that night after hearing several speeches as part of the traditional program.
"First, take a deep breath, relax, and allow yourself to truly soak in this achievement," said Superintendent Jason Gustafson in his welcome.
Gustafson told students that they may question their purpose and preparation and how they can make a difference. He said there was no need to answer those questions yet.
Instead, in addition to advising that that they remember their local bonds, he told them simply, "Always stay grounded. Stay humble."
Valedictorian Kayla Zeckovich offered broad thanks to parents and school officials who made it possible for them to achieve their success.
"Stay true to yourselves," she told her classmates.
Zeckovich plans to attend Gogebic Community College and then continue her education at Northern Michigan University.
Main speaker Jeff Luoma, who graduated from Wakefield High School in 1989, posed some questions to graduates: "What will people say about you when you're gone? What will be your contribution to the world?"
Beyond being a success in one's careers, he said they may find themselves one day asking additional questions regarding whether they were loving parents, a great cousin or a good friend.
Instead of urging them toward material goals, he said, "Do something nice for someone."
He told them to respect people regardless of religion, politics, hair color, etc.
Under the direction of Isaac Boehnlein, the audience also heard from the school's junior-senior high band an instrumental arrangement of "Mama Mia!" arranged by Robert Longfield and Roy Phillipee
School Board President Micki Sorensen awarded most of the diplomas at the end of the program.
Two exceptions were when board members Kim Zeckovich awarded a diploma to her daughter, Kayla, and head teacher Mark Lane awarded a diploma to his son, Braylon Dale Lane.
