Graduates are a reflection of role models around them
The Cornell Class of 2024 celebrated the end of their high school careers by tossing their hats in the air and one couldn’t forget the glitter confetti, either, May 24. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Just yesterday, it seems, this year’s Cornell graduating class was sitting on the elementary playground, eating rubber chips and arguing about what their favorite dinosaur was. All of a sudden, they blinked and became young adults, ready to face what the world has in store for them.
That was true for Valedictorian Allie Turany, who spoke to her fellow graduates May 24, at the commencement ceremony. “So much has changed since then,” she said.
Even though they are leaving behind friendships and support systems, Turany knows it’s important to take advantage of opportunities offered to them.
“There will always be people around us – people who care, people who are going through the same changes,” said Turany. “Instead of this being an ending, our lives are just beginning.”
Salutatorian Brooke Anderson also felt the loss of days gone by, hanging in Mrs. Schlageter’s room or watching Mr. Parker get dressed up as a cat for Homecoming. But, through those experiences and bonds formed, the students were shaping themselves into who they needed to be.
“This last year, we were able to find where we belong,” said Anderson.
Kari Koenig, assistant principal, is well aware what the Class of 2024 can accomplish, as they earned 1,027 college credits and four graduated high school with associate’s degrees.
“Even as second graders, this class was determined and hard-working,” said Koenig.
Scholarships and awards in the amount of almost $62,000, include the following:
• Brooke Anderson – American Legion, $1,000; Cindy Asplund Memorial, $6,000; Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; R.L. Hendrickson, $1,000
• Teryn Close – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; FFA, $500; Frances Cleaves, $400
• Haily Duffy – Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, $500; Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Masonic Lodge, $400; R. L. Hendrickson, $750; Tom’s Sales & Service, $500
• Carter Harycki – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Eino Martino Family, $500; Matt and Tracy Helgerson Family, $250; Memorial Scholarship of Bruce Conley, $1,000; Tom’s Sales & Service, $500
• Grace Harycki – Blue Devil, $2,000; Cindy Asplund Memorial, $7,000; Dr. John & Marge Parker Honorary, $1,000; Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Excellence in Education, $100; Marilyn Schroeder Memorial, $500; Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial, $1,000; Spirit Club, $250; Tom’s Sales & Service, $500
• Faith Kubista – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $2,000
• Camden Mercer – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; John Moseng Information Tech Endowment, $500
• Daniel Person – Excellence in Education, $100; Technical Education, $6,750
• Bailey Sanders – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000
• Brooke Sime – Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Eino Martino Family, $500; Pauline Johnston Jiskra & Gail Mittermeyer Memorial, $1,000
• Allie Turany – Cornell Lions Club, $2,000; Edith B. Arnhold Memorial, $1,000; Excellence in Education, $100; Spirit Club, $250; Stout Promise, $2,000; Tom’s Sales & Service, $500; Wisconsin Excellence in Education, $9,000
• Mahli Wilson – Spirit Club, $250
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Brooke Sime (left) and Teryn Close had one last moment of sass, as they prepared to step into their future. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
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Zach Schurtz received a big hug after getting his diploma, in the emotional time dedicated to giving a flower to family and friends who’ve made an impact on the graduates’ lives. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]
