RCHS Class of 2014 graduates

Somewhere under the string is the Class of 2014, celebrating their graduation. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

by Richard Lamb–Advance Editor

With a twist of the tassels after the command by class president Megan Quaine, Rogers City High School’s Class of 2014 became alumnus. The 54 members of the class celebrated the way many prior classes have, with canned string and confetti thrown into the air.

The class featured two valedictorians and one salutatorian that offered thanks to those who helped shape them as human beings and gave advice to their classmates.

Morgan Hall, the salutatorian, said it was important to thank each and every person who helped shape her into a stronger individual. She mentioned coaches, teachers and family as those who helped guide her.

“It is a scary thought, but this is one of the last times we will all be together like this,” she said.

“These last four years have been memorable and I am sure we realize how precious this time was,” she said, adding later that she is certain her classmates will look upon the high school years as some of the best years of their lives.

Christopher Wilk, a co-valedictorian, had his turn at the microphone, saying the class has worked hard to get to this good time in their lives, balancing work, sports and schoolwork to get it all done.

“We have a lot to look forward to after graduation. Some will go to college, some will enter the military and some will enter the work force and some will spend time deciding what we want to do. There is much to be excited about because now the future is in our hands,” Wilk said.

He advised classmates to live life like today is their last, being responsible for finding their own happiness.

Co-valedictorian Cynthia Kerr also thanked many who pushed her to achieve and be her best. She also praised her classmates, saying that each and every one of them can accomplish anything they want in life.

“I have to thank my roots at St. Ignatius Catholic School. Look at the three standing here today. We all attended St. Ignatius for eight years and we are at the top of our class. That just goes to show, don’t underestimate the little guys,” Kerr said.

She told the class that bad times will lead to good times, telling her classmates that any bad times which came before have been washed away.

Before Michael Marx, president of the board of education, led the diploma award ceremony one more speaker took the podium.

Katy Makowski, superintendent of schools, congratulated the class saying the graduates should enjoy this day celebrating their accomplishments because it will go by fast.

“It takes a village to raise a child and thankfully you have had a great village, from the parents who raised you to be who you are to the friends who have been there for you, to the teachers and st

aff who care about you and your continued success. Thank you all for raising the Class of 2014 to be independent thinkers, hard workers and team players,” Makowski said.

She told the class to don’t worry too much about what others think or say, but rather “be true to yourself and honest. People will respect that,” she said.

With that, high school principal David O’Bryant introduced the members of the class individually. They passed by the stage accepting their diplomas and the congratulations from the board of education, class sponsor Amanda Munger and high school councelor Marilyn Dimick.

Board of education members are Lee Gapczynski, Don Kromer, Deedra Schalk-Haselhuhn, Cory Budnick, John Krajenta, Bryan Hall and Marx.