By By NORMA LERNER / Edwardsburg Argus
EDWARDSBURG-The excitement was high at the Commencement Exercises Sunday for the 2004 class of Edwardsburg High School graduating seniors, and then the power went out. But their spirits were not dampened during the presentation of diplomas while a thunderstorm roared overhead.
Luckily, a back-up generator produced lights and sound on the gymnasium stage as 121 seniors walked across it to get their diplomas while accompanied by shouts and cheers.
It was particularly noteworthy when school Superintendent Sherman Ostrander congratulated the seniors since over 80 percent of the class achieved merit scholarships worth $2,500 each. "It was an outstanding accomplishment," he said as he introduced keynote speaker State Senator Ron Jelinek, R-Three Oaks.
Ostrander proudly said Edwardsburg was one of seven percent in the state to achieve a composite A under the Education Yes program. He said the next class coming up will be 94 percent.
Jelinek congratulated the class by saying their family members and friends are proud to see them reach this milestone in their lives. They are saying goodbye to all their friends, teachers, athletic coaches, memories of first dates, the senior prom. "These memories will stay with you for the rest of your life. You know you will never again walk these halls as a student. Life moves on. There will be new jobs, more challenges, varieties and opportunities for growth. That's what scares people. They are reluctant to give up a lifestyle that is uncertain. Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die to get there," he said.
When people do want to progress, they are afraid to give up their comfortable routine. As graduates, you have no choice, he told the seniors. "It's time you move on. You gained a tremendous amount of knowledge during the past 12 years. You will learn more on the job than at school. It prepared you for the achievements that lie ahead. Now it's time to build a new structure. Whether you choose to attend college, trade or technical school, join the service or join the work force, you will benefit from what you have done so far.
Jelinek reminded the seniors to be grateful for what they have, to give back to the community, to thank their parents for what they did for them. "You live in a free country and get enough to eat. You can help your neighbors and community without making sacrifices. This is a special moment for you and your families."
The salutatorian address was given by Abigail Rupchock, 18, daughter of Daniel and Carol Rupchock, who graduated with a 3.97 grade-point average. She is planning to attend Michigan State University to study biology.
The valedictorian address was presented by Jason Dodge, 19, son of Michael and Beth Dodge. He graduated with a 3.98 grade-point average and received an ROTC scholarship. He will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study history.
Rupchock told the class there is a world outside of high school. It's the beginning of the adult world, she said. "Remember yesterday, live for today and dream for the future."
She said parents and teachers are the successful part of school. Her parents read to her, helped with homework and attended school events. "They told me to do the best I could. Teachers encouraged me to try my hardest."
It was important to be involved as much as possible, to meet new people and enjoy many experiences. She also said she volunteered at the center for the homeless and helped children with homework and got to know them very well. They taught her many things.
She also told the class to become involved in politics. People are dying because of a war on terrorism. Gas prices are rising. "We are the future of the country."
She summed up her speech by saying, "Work toward achieving your greatest potential."
Dodge told the audience that when the class returned to school last fall, something was different. "At first we all felt we were on top of everything. We have been a part of things in the past three years. A list of people were scheduled to graduate at the end of the year. Our lives were devoted to academics, athletics and community services in Edwardsburg. We were the heart and soul of the Edwardsburg High School graduating family.
He compared the emotions of graduation to their first time at pep rallies. "There's adrenalin sending chills up and down our spines."
Dodge told of anger and frustrations of cramming books and papers together for a test, going to math classes after school or doing projects over vacations. There were many expectation from parents, teachers and each other, but they found time to do things that kids do. He touched on working on the class float, games and television. "We just wanted the good things to continue. Now we face the harsh reality of the outside comfort of these walls. We have given four years of our lives to accomplish our roles. We must continue to grow and seek out our goals, he said. There are adventures that will take us beyond these halls," he said.
Dodge cited a Tennyson poem about friends and not being too late to seek a new world.
Dodge thanked the staff for their hard work in making experiences a positive one. He thanked his classmates and wished them luck. Lastly, he thanked his family. "They gave me everything for success with love and support. "Mom, dad, Drew (his older brother), thank you. I love you very much."
Class President Bethany Hartley told the class that the only person to remember is yourself. "You have to face each decision you have ever made. Try to live each day with a clean slate. Every day of your life has been a long journey. Some have taken detours along the way. The teachers have taught well. Parents supported us. Now it's our turn to make a journey," she concluded.
The class was welcomed by high school principal David Zech, and diplomas were presented by Birdella Holdread, Board of Education president.
The processional and recessional were played by the high school band. They played a selection, "With or Without You," led by director Thomas Crowner.
Two choir selections, "Follow Love" and "Seasons of Love" were led by director David Carew.
Ushers were next year's seniors Jaclyn O'Connor, Courtney Moyer and Tena Schildhouse.
The class song was "Here's to the Night." The class flower was the Sapphire Rose; colors, orange, blue and white; and motto, "I came, I saw, I conquered."
2004 GRADUATES
Amanda Bailey, Dustin Bates, John Black, Mariel Black, John Blume, Megan Bolle, Amanda Bowers, John Breslin, Phillip Bretschneider, Holly Bronicki.
Gregory Carlin, Amie Catanzarite, Frank Catanzarite, Hollis Claire, Samuel Ludwig, Samantha Madrid, Ryan Makowski, Aaron Manes, Gregory Marbach, Joanna Martino.
Alana McClellan, Michael McConnell, Katelyn McDowell, Jack McHenry III, Rebecca Moss, Jonathan Muff, Jessica Neagu, Morgan Nelson, Jeanie Clement, Philip Combs.
William Correa, Travis Coughenour, Sean Cour, Brittany Cronin, Brian Davis, Earl Davis, Jason Dodge, Brian Dolan, Cassandra Donath, Amanda Drake.
Elisha Earnhart, Anthony Erb, Candice Erickson, William Fahey, Adam Finlayson, Rebecca Fisette, Nathan Gabbard, Michael Grabemeyer, Lauren Gregory, Russell Grieger.
Sarah Gunn, Katherine Habicht, Kelli Haines, Laura Harness, Bethany Hartley, Aaron Hassinger, Nathaniel Heffner, Timothy Herremans, Adam Horn, Shannon Howe.
Brett Jacobs, Kenton Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Rex Kendle, Casey Kile, Tyler Koenigshof, Matthew Lamberton, Stephanie LaPlace, Robert Leda, Jesse Lewis.
Dustin Locey, Elijah Lowery, Christopher Nugent, Ryan Oliver, Amber Owens, Anthony Peak, Nathan Peak, Amanda Pegura, Timothy Pelmear, Adam Petersen.
Lorrie Pillow, Casey Poe, Tara Poe, Jessica Rafalski, Amanda Rangel, Michelle Riege, Matthew Rinehart, Catherine Rose, Ellen Rosselit, Abigail Rupchock.
Laurina Schraeder, Ashley Schrock, Jason Selle, Jennifer Sheneman, Jessica Shotwell, Jessica Simpson, Ashley Stevens, Shana Stoops, Bryan Stowell, Christopher Swaim.
Margaret Sweeney, David Tevlin, Jay Thomas, Derek Tighe, John Tutorow, Michael Van Dusen, Thomas Van Patten, Dustin Walter, Ryan Warner, Zachary Wenrick.
Joseph Wesley, Timothy Whiteman, Christina Whittaker, Dustin Wilfert, Melina Williams, Holley Young.[ok]