CLASS OF 2022 … Co-Valedictorian and class treasurer Cole Meyer gave one of the valedictorian addresses. (PHOTOS BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
Arguably the biggest chapter in their young lives has been completed, with 48 Edgerton High School students graduating. And it was quite an academic class, too, with nearly half of them, 21, graduating with honors.
Graduating in the top 10% of their class were Chloe Merillat, Karissa Merillat, Cole Meyer, Hannah Nihart and Holly Stark. Graduating with honors were Greta Brown and Breana Reliford.
Graduating with national honors society and/or technical honors society were Madison Brown, Maria Canales, Mackenzie Eitniear, Maris Gendron, Mason Herman, Esten Kennerk, Madalyn Ritchie, Nicholas Roth, Grace Schroeder, Ashlyn Sleesman, Landon Smith, Nathan Timbrook and Briana Walkup.
Smith, an albino, endured quite a day. He had to have some special protection, because he has to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
But he endured it all, even graduating with both national honor and technical honor societies.
After the opening procession, salutatorian Chloe Merillat started the ceremony off with a prayer. Class Vice-President Reliford then led potential graduates and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLASS OF 2022 … Karissa Merillat gave the other valedictorian address.
Co-Valedictorian Stark then gave the welcome greeting. “Each person here has impacted our lives,” Stark reminded the potential graduates. “So, hold onto your hats for now, we have made it here.”
After Reliford introduced the guests, Co-Valedictorian and class secretary Nihart recognized the veterans who were in attendance. High School Principal Ben Wilhelm then introduced those who graduated with honors.
Co-Valedictorian Karissa Merillat then gave one of the valedictory addresses. “Look forward to the future, because God has a plan for all of us,” Karissa said. “Remember we all have a gift that makes us unique.”
After some special band music, class treasurer Meyer then gave the other valedictory address.
“With all the obstacles we’ve had to go through, we will have success,” meyer said. “Our class will always have a special bond with each other. Focus on doing things you love and you will be more motivated. All things happen for a reason. I’m proud to have represented Edgerton, both in the classroom and in athletics.”
After special music from the choir, school board president Bob Siebenaler presented the diplomas. Class President Canales then gave the closing remarks, as did superintendent Kermit Riehle.
“Remember the lessons we’ve learned from our mentors,” Canales said. “While those who have supported us will give us help along the way, we need to embark on a journey by ourselves. We need to spread our wings and fly on our own.”
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com