Thank the supporters and pass along kindness
Graduate Christian Alwes (right) was all smiles as he accepted his diploma from Cadott School Board president Cory LaNou and took his final walk across the stage. Photo by Julia Wolf
By Julia Wolf
The Cadott Class of 2023 capped off their senior year, by celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of their school years, as part of the annual commencement ceremony May 26.
“It has been a privilege getting to know you over the past four years,” said junior and senior high principal Caleb Hundt, who encouraged the students to think back to how they grew and changed over that time. “You should be proud of yourselves.”
Hundt commended students for learning from their mistakes, being supportive of one another and, when the time came to challenge decisions, doing it respectfully. He told them their class has been part of the positive culture change in the district.
“Your class, showed class,” said Hundt. Salutatorian Lauryn Goettl started by turning the attention to the class’ supporters – their families and teachers, for helping them through their high school careers.
“As we leave here today, we take with us the memories of the past and the hope for the future,” said Goettl.
Goettl reminded the students, as they prepared to start their next journey, whatever that may entail, they are going to face challenges and make mistakes, but that’s OK, because failure is the stepping stone to success.
“So, let’s embrace all the unknown and see where life takes us,” said Goettl.
Valedictorian Eliana Eiler agreed that the day marked the end of a huge chapter in their lives and reflected on the year filled with “lasts.”
“Some lasts were filled with joy, such as completing our last test and turning in our last homework assignment,” said Eiler.
She says other lasts were more unpleasant, such as when their favorite sports and clubs came to an end. Some of the classmates would say goodbye to each other and part ways, for the last time.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today, without the friendship and encouragement from all of you,” said Eiler. “Know that I will always be cheering for you to succeed. And I want you to remember that you are doing great and to never give up.”
Sharing a final message to the class, was agricultural education teacher Keith Becker, who left the Class of 2023 with tidbits of advice, to take with them as they leave.
Becker encouraged the graduates to find a purpose, whether that is a career, hobby, a cause or family. He also says there is value in doing good work.
“The good is up to you,” said Becker. Becker also said the outgoing students should keep learning as much as they can, about as many things as they can. Finally, Becker told graduates to treat others with kindness and remember where they’ve come from. “As a history geek, I can tell you that even the most successful people in history, have had a helping hand at some point,” said Becker. He says their parents, family and the Cadott community provided the students with the opportunities to get them to this point. “Please remember that and thank them, whenever you can,” said Becker. Scholarships and awards presented, include the following:
• Tristan Drier – Bill Nye Cadott Wrestling, $400; Ruscin Memorial, $1,000; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable • Tylee Ebert – Future Business Leaders of America, $250
• Eliana Eiler – Academic Excellence, $2,250, renewable; American Legion Auxiliary Merit, $250; Cadott Girls Basketball Club, $250; Ruscin Memorial, $1,000; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable
• Anna Glenz – Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, $1,000; FFA Alumni, $500
• Lauryn Goettl – Cadott Girls Basketball Club, $250; LeAnn Marie Frank, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable; Viterbo University President’s, $16,000
• Blake Irwin – Technical Excellence, $2,250, renewable
• Levi Lindsay – Cadott Football, $1,000; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500; Eugene and Margaret King, $1,000; FFA Alumni, $500; Rainbow Raiders Snowmobile Club, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable; Tom Blanchette Wrestling, $200
• Kane Mengel – V.I.P. Construction and Real Estate, $2,000, renewable
• Morgan Moldrem – Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable
• Holly Nesvacil – Albert A. Tannler, $500; Barbara Huffcutt- Garrett, $1,000; FFA Alumni, $500; River Country, $500
• Lillian Olson – UW-Green Bay Hetzel Long Foundation, $2,500, renewable
• Kyle Seiberling – Anderson Trust Memorial, $1,000; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500; Jim Falls Lions, $500; Lee Danielson and Larry Milling, $500; Manufacturing Works, $500; Ryan Wilson Memorial, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable; UW-Stout Foundation Olive’s Branch, $1,500; UW-Stout Honor’s College, $1,000, renewable; UW-Stout New Blue Devil First-Year Student, $2,000; Wisconsin Elks State, $1,000
• Brayden Sonnentag – A. Pat Mrotek/Ed Lenard Cadott Wrestling Club, $600
• Natalie Steiger – Anderson Trust Memorial, $1,000; Future Business Leaders of America, $250; Semper Fidelis, $200
• Jadyn Waegli – Bohemian Hall Lodge 141, $200; Chippewa Valley Electric, $500; Lila C. McConville, $500; “Oh The Places You’ll Go” Dr. Suess, $1,000; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable
• Peter Weir – American Legion, $250; Cadott Football, $1,000; Citizens State Bank, $500; Jerry Irwin Memorial, $250; John Philip Sousa, $500; Junior High Student Council, $500; National Honor Society, $100; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,916.91, renewable; Wisconsin Elks Most Valuable Student, $1,000
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Doreen Mrotek joined the elite group recognized in the Cadott School District’s Hall of Honor, as part of the annual induction ceremony, which takes place during graduation. Mrotek was married to her husband, Pat, for 55 years, and they raised three daughters together. She worked as a secretary/administrative assistant for many years. Mrotek was recognized for her years of service to the district and community, before and after retiring, including preparing food for wrestling tournament officials and workers for over 50 years. She was also a member of the Cadott Chamber of Commerce and is active in the Cadott Lions Club. “This is a real honor and very humbling for me to receive this award,” said Mrotek. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
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Gerald Rykal was also part of the Class of 2023, not as a graduate, but as a Hall of Honor inductee. Rykal was raised on a farm outside Cadott, and is a 1952 Cadott graduate. After graduation, Rykal enlisted in the Marines and is a Korean War veteran. He is a member of the American Legion for over 50 years, and serves on the honor guard for funerals. Rykal also taught English at the Cadott Junior and Senior High School for 34 years. He had a long tenure as an assistant high school football coach and after retirement, served as the junior high football coach. Rykal also served as a bus driver, summer custodian, summer recreation director, and football and basketball official. “It is indeed a great honor to receive this award and something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” said Rykal. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
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Agriculture teacher Keith Becker took one last chance to teach the Cadott High School Class of 2023, sharing advice to guide them in the next phase of their lives, and wishing them the best in their next steps. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
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Valedictorian Eliana Eiller[/caption]
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Salutatorian Lauryn Goettl[/caption]
