Commencement at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School this year looked more like normal after last year’s outdoor ceremony in late June. The event was held in the high school gym on Sunday, May 16 with a good size crowd present.
66 graduates were recognized. The class selected “Live, Laugh, Love” for their motto while the class flower was a white hydrangea. The class song was “I’ll Always Remember You,” by Miley Cyrus.
The ceremony started with the concert band playing the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates processed in. The Pledge of Allegiance was then led by Alaina Friesleben. Reed Abbas, class salutatorian, gave the invocation. The senior chorus members sang “Stand As One.”
Next, five graduates gave addresses. Seniors Ashtyn DeCoster, Emma Keller, Raven Kinnetz, Natalie Kirstein and Tessa Warnke all gave short speeches since all had the distinction of being valedictorians after maintaining 4.0 GPAs. The girls talked about the different stages of their academic journeys and lives. DeCoster ended the speeches by reminding her classmates to “set your goals in concrete and plans in the sand.”
After the addresses, the seniors joined the band and choir for various musical selections. The concert band played “Counting Stars” and the choir sang “Maybe Someday” and “You Raise Me Up.”
High School Principal Paul Hansch then announced various scholastic and service awards. First, the Academic Top 10 in the class were awarded gold cords. In addition to the five valedictorians already mentioned and Abbas, the salutatorian, Morgan Middleton, Kendall Lienemann, Alaina Friesleben, and Madison Bierl were also in the top 10. Raven Kinnetz earned a silver cord for completing at least 300 hours of community service since her freshmen year. Kain and Paige Nelson were awarded red cords as Donors of Distinction for being repeated blood donors.
Finally, the class was presented with their diplomas. School board members Beth Severson and Cindy Dorn helped confer diplomas in addition to Superintendent Joe Nelson. Severson then announced the acceptance of the class. Senior Jadyn Jondle wrapped up the commencement with the benediction.
The graduates then recessed out to their class song. A receiving line was held outdoors at the entrance of the school.
