Eagle Grove High School celebrated the graduation of 48 students on Sunday, May 23. When the school year started, they were unsure of what the days ahead would hold. They entered the hallways with masks covering their faces, the uncertainty of COVID-19, and the hope that they would get to celebrate the milestone of Prom they had missed the year before. But in the end, it all worked out for them. Not only did they get to have a Prom, but they also got to graduate, on-time, and WITHOUT MASKS and unlimited guests.
The ceremony opened with the entrance of the seniors to the EGHS band playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by a Welcome address by High School Principal Heidi Vasquez. Then, the senior band members joined their fellow musicians for one final performance together. They played “Moscow 1941,” which ended with roaring applause from the crowd.
Jess Toliver, superintendent of schools, had the honor of introducing the Class Valedictorian, Elizabeth Hogrefe, and Class Salutatorian, Megan Anderson. Each of the girls gave an outstanding address (see their speeches in this week’ “Eagle”) that not only reminisced about days gone by and talked about hopes and dreams for the future, but also addressed their fellow classmate, Derricklee Harms, who was unable to attend the ceremony as he is in the hospital in Iowa City, as well as Les Huntley, the father of classmates Nicholas and Preston Huntley, who had fallen ill a few days prior to graduation.
The Eagle Grove High School choir also performed a number for the crowd, welcoming their seniors for one final song, “Stand as One.”
During the ceremony, the Top 10 academic achievers in the graduating class were also recognized. They include: Elizabeth Hogrefe, Megan Anderson, Claire Kienzle, Emmy Huse, Ariane Lyman, Kaitlin Sampson, Chase Mason, Adam Herrington, Dani Lobato, and Jayda Scott.
After the presentation of the diplomas, the seniors exited the building to their class song, “Good Ole Days” by Macklemore.
The class flower was the white rose. Class colors were purple and black. Class sponsors were Brenda Deal, Dalton Draeger, Sandy Muzzey, Justin Schwake, and Geri Winge.
Class Motto: “All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
