School: Thorp High School Graduation (2021)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Oberle, Egge, Eichstadt, Mertens, Powell, Sharron, Skibbie, Serocki, Ciolkosz, Smoczyk, Denzine, Schwartz, Karaba, Blanford

----Source: THORP COURIER 02 Jun 2021


On Friday, May 28 the graduating class of 2021 got together with their friends and family to not only celebrate the final result of all their hard work, but to recognize the important moment that stands before them as they prepare to move forward into their next phase of life.

The students took the stage to the sound of "Pomp & Circumstance." Principal Foster then took the stage to welcome everyone to the event as well as introducing the Top 10 Percent Students: Emily Oberle, Hannah Egge, Sydney Eichstadt, and Reed Mertens. "It takes sweat, determination, and hard work,"
the hard work and storied history of Colin Powell to push forward his message to the students. "When you receive your diploma today, it is the key that will unlock those opportunities and enable you to fulfill whatever dreams you have," he added. "Just make sure your dream is worthy of you."

Emily Oberle then gave her Valedictorian speech. "Most of us had a countdown going for a long time. A big red X marked on our calendars. But now that it's here it seems like it went to fast," she said.

Following Emily's speech, the Thorp High School Choir performed "Bright Lights Bigger City/Magic," arranged by Deke Sharron.

Reed Mertens then gave his Valedictorian speech. "I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone here in saying 'thank you to all our families,' especially our parents who have put up with us and all of the drama high school brings," Reed said.

Following Reed's speech, Mr. Foster introduced the Crest Award Winners: Makenzie Skibbie and Megan Serocki, who received these prestigious awards for their demonstrations of outstanding character traits that have earned the admiration and respect of the school staff.

Mrs. Jessica Ciolkosz, the graduating class's guest speaker then took to the podium to give a heartfelt and emotional farewell to the graduating class of 2021. A farewell that included a clever, memorable memento: "Under your seats, you will find a note card," she explained. "On this note card it has a number one, because to me you are number one. It has a heart to remind you to care about yourself and others, and a question mark to remember to ask for help when needed."

The Choir Arion and National School Choral Award winners Christine Smoczyk and Makayla Denzine then performed "For Good," by Stephen Schwartz before the lights were dimmed so the video presentation could show everyone just how much the class of 2021 has grown over the years.

Mrs. Marie Karaba and Mr. Paul Blanford then presented the diplomas to the class, Mr. Adrian Foster presented the now officially graduated senior class to the crowd, and Megan Serocki gave a final farewell. The graduating class departed the gym to the song "I Lived," by One Republic.

Congratulations class of 2021. May good tidings follow you wherever live takes you...