Crimson and black graduates 138 Saturday

Seniors with the Crimson and Black move tassles to the left as part of the presentation of the Class 2017. Photo by Chuck Vandenberg

Posted Saturday, May 27, 2017 2:04 pm

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG

PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - With a nod to memories of the past four years, a few short addresses, and some moving of tassels, 138 of Fort Madison's best and brightest said goodbye to the safe and familiar halls of Fort Madison High School.

At Saturday's Bloodhound graduation held at the Fort Madison gymnasium, school dignitaries quipped, and seniors, with decorated mortarboards with saying such as "The Best is Yet to Come" spoke to the future and what is in store for each student to cross the stage.

FMHS Principal Greg Smith gave the seniors one last bit of instruction and had them make eye contact with their families and applaud their parents for their hard work and support in getting the seniors to where they are today.

"You never know what's going to happen because that's exactly what happened to me," said Smith, who told attendees that when he graduated in the 70s he told himself he was never coming back. "God has a funny sense of humor."

Superintendent Erin Slater said she now has an idea what parents go through on graduation day.

"One year ago I sat just like you today as my twins graduated from high school.," she said.

She told the seniors they have reached a milestone and should always reflect on what it took to get where they are.

"You have reached a huge milestone. Each one of you has shown perseverance, focus, and effort in order to be sitting here today. Please remember this is just the beginning. Your next step is up to you. One of my favorite quotes is from AA Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, and it says, 'Promise me you'll always remember, you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think."

Emily Mitchell, the class valedictorian addressed the students about change being a part of life. Mitchell moved to the high school the summer before her freshman year.

"In the beginning, I refused to accept the fact that everything was about to change. I was hesitant about being involved and meeting new people. I didn't want to appear that I was actually happy being here. I didn't want to embrace the changes - I feared them," she said. "No matter what we do, change will be a part of our life. I challenge you all to go out and create change. You have the ability to be who you want. If you don't like the direction your life is going - change it."

Jonathon Specht, a selected speaker voted by the students, spoke to 10 things that he learned at FMHS, including the power of Google, thanking the creator of copy and paste, hallway roadrage, and following their dreams.

"I dreamed of having a loving, supportive group of friends and family. Moving to Fort Madison helped me create some of these dreams. You'll meet some of the best friends of your life."

He too, challenged the departing students to embrace change. He said change will be hard. Moving to Fort Madison was hard and he never thought he would be accepted here as he was in his hometown and then he thanked his mother for moving him to Fort Madison as he said it was the best decision they had ever made.

After the ceremony, Timothy LeMatty III said the specialized classes at FMHS would help him prepare for later course work.

"I think just a couple of classes in psychology and sociology really prepared me, and Andrew Troxel taught those. I think it will help with other course work."

LeMatty and his best friend Grant Niggemeyer have both committed to military service.

"I've got about 75 days left and then I'm heading to San Diego with my best friend," Niggemeyer said as friends and family began to descend on the two.

Senior class president Austin Rose, who's very rarely ever seen without a smile on his face, said FMHS will always hold a special place for him.

"The past four years have gone really fast.," he said. "But this is such a welcoming environment. People are really nice here and I've learned a lot and made new friends and it's prepared me for the next four years. Rose will be attending Clarke College in Dubuque and will be on the men's basketball team.