Saying Goodbye

While a few tears flowed Saturday, most of the members of the Summerland Public School class of 2024 beamed during commencement exercises held in the main gym.

The Summerland band played the processional. Adyson Mlnarik and Superintendent Kyle Finke welcomed faculty, family and guests. Pastor Mark Hoffman urged the class to live their best lives before leading the assembly in prayer.

A packed house watched 19 students receive diplomas and listened to words of wisdom from co-valedictorians Aislynn Kester, Preslie Robertson and Kelsey Schlecht.

Schlecht thanked faculty and staff for "creating a supportive educational environment."

"It does not go unnoticed," she said.

Robertson credited family for being supportive. She said transferring to Summerland was "the best decision my family made because I went from a school to a family."

Kester said she never dreamed of graduating in a new school in the middle of a cornfield.

"I can't believe how fast 14 years went," she said.

Zach Rosenboom, principal, announced scholarship awards as counselor Kendra Shrader presented them to students.

Honor students, including those with a grade-point average of 3.5 or above, FFA, SkillsUSA and FBLA members were recognized.

Following a musical selection by the high school choir, seniors greeted well-wishers outside of the school.