Buchanan High School graduates 92 in Class of 2014

In his speech to the 2014 graduating class at Buchanan High School, valedictorian Luke Higgins began with a quote from the late President Harry S. Truman, who said, “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Higgins said he believes his class is filled with the types of leaders Truman spoke about and that they’ve accomplished much in four short years at Buchanan.

“I know we are the leaders of tomorrow, ready to tackle the world. However, I also know that we were the leaders of yesterday, leaving a legacy at Buchanan High School while preparing to face the world head-on,” said Higgins. “This class left Buchanan High School a better place than we found it. For that reason, I cannot be prouder of the last four years and all that has been accomplished.”

Higgins was one of 92 students who received diplomas Sunday during Buchanan High School’s Class of 2014 commencement ceremony.

Of those 92 graduates, at least 60 plan to attend college, while two will be joining the U.S. Armed Forces.

When graduate Maddy Vorrath reminisces about high school, she said she would be proud that the school won the Battle of the Fans in 2013. She will also remember the school was recognized by a major advertising company as one of the nicest schools in America based on their anti-bullying “Mean Stinks” campaign, which helped create a more positive atmosphere at school.

“As a class I believe we have left lasting stitches on this town that will help the younger generations start their own blanket of memories,” Vorrath said in her commencement speech.

Graduate Rachel “Andi” Frost said only one word comes to mind when she thinks of a way to describe her class: Strong.

“We are strong in the way that we handle ourselves when trouble is pushed our way,” she said at commencement. “We’ve made it through the bullies, watching some of our favorite teachers retire, losing dear friends, and, ultimately, we passed our last semester of senior year.

“It has been an honor being a part of the Class of 2014.”

Supt. Andrea van der Laan said this was the first class she has seen complete the high school cycle from freshman to senior year.

“You have helped make Buchanan Community Schools one of the best schools in the community,” she said.

The class gift was a wooden podium.