To the fittingly bombastic rhythm of Pomp And Circumstance courtesy of Mr. Schwake and the High School Band, the 55 graduating seniors of the Eagle Grove Class of 2022 made their way down the aisle formed by the folding chairs set out in the Elementary School gymnasium. Doing their best to contain their enthusiasm and maintain a stately cadence, they went two by two, until Class Valedictorian Braxton Steil brought up the rear as the sole lone walker. And then they took their seats of honor at the front of the hall.
High School Principal Mrs. Heidi Vasquez then rose from her seat on the commencement stage, and took to the podium to talk to the students about their futures, and reflect on their time as students here in Eagle Grove. The Senior Band then assembled, and played "Cumberland Cross" before Superintendent of Schools Jess Toliver rose to recognize special guests in attendance, and introduce the speakers.
First to speak was Salutatorian Havana Anderson, who expressed her gratitude to the teachers and staff for the education she'd received. Then it was Valedictorian Braxton Steil's turn to speak, reflecting on how graduation marks the end of a chapter in their lives. "As I look into the crowd, I notice people that are in all different stages of life, all different chapters, writing different things in their 'life' book," Steil said. And while there were many things, she realized that she would never do again now that this chapter in her life was closing, there would be many lessons left to learn ahead. "Everything that you do in life you're gonna learn from," Steil said, " because life is the greatest school you will ever attend and experience is the best teacher you will ever have." Closing her comments, Steil got a laugh with "Thank you EGHS, it's been a hell of a ride but I think we're all excited to get out of here. Congratulations and good luck class of 2023, peace out!"
Then the High School Choirs, led by music teacher Mrs. Sandy Muzzey, sang Hold on to Your Dreams" before Principal Vasquez presented the class to School Board President Mrs. Tracy Crail. "I have a dual role this year," Crail said, noting that she was also the proud mother of one of this year's graduates, Brandon Crail, before announcing that she formally accepts the class and acknowledges their graduation.
And then, after fourteen years of hard work as they grew up, the graduates in the class that were freshman during the historic and unprecedented Covid crisis were able, after everything, to cross that commencement stage, and receive their diplomas at long last.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
