Never settle for less, even when it requires hard work
Jaycee Stephens shared one last hug with a (now) former classmate, after the commencement ceremony May 24. Family, friends and community members shared their congratulations with the graduates, making sure to snap a last photo or give them a small gift. Photo by Joy Dain
By Ginna Young
Some may have thought their graduation day would never come, but come it did and was greeted with anticipation, as well as tears, by the Cadott Class of 2024. Just because they are now stepping out into the next phase of their life, doesn’t mean the seniors don’t remember who got them to this moment.
Salutatorian Imara Mackie voiced those thoughts to the family and friends gathered, expressing gratitude to teachers, administrators, friends and family. Mackie credits the school years as when character development happens.
“In a 1,000-piece puzzle, we found where we fit,” said Mackie.
She encouraged her classmates to write their own storyline to achieve what they want out of life.
“If you didn’t like it, you can change the narrative,” said Mackie.
Valedictorian Henry Danielson echoed those sentiments, encouraging the class to forge their own path, in order to find their own journey.
“Embrace your unique path, even if it’s uncharted,” said Danielson. “Keep reaching for opportunities.”
Chosen as their special speaker, Eryn Bakken recognizes the students’ ability to accept change and is grateful that the class has been so supportive of each other. She also asked them to never forget the power of kindness.
“It costs nothing to be kind, but it can make all the difference in the world,” said Bakken.
She also said that education doesn’t end with a diploma or a degree, and though it might be hard, the kids have to work for what they want.
“Never settle for less than you deserve,” said Bakken. “Remember, there’s no limit to what you can do.”
Scholarships and awards of almost $93,000, include the following:
• Bella Barone – Barbara Huffcut-Garrett, $1,000
• Shannon Burlum – Cadott Drama, $200; Nancy Knitter, $500; National School Choral Award, $200
• Henry Danielson – Academic Excellence, $2,250, renewable; FFA Alumni, $500; Jim Falls Lions Club, $1,000; River Country Co-op, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable
• Wyatt Engel – Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence U.S. Marine Youth Foundation – $100
• Adam Evanson – Technical Excellence – $2,250, renewable
• Aubree Foldy – Edith C. Couey, $500; Jerry Irwin Memorial, $250; Junior High Student Council, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable; Family, Career & Community Leaders of America, $200
• Alex Gindt– Burger King Scholar & Velarde, $1,000; Edith C. Couey, $500; Frank & Janet Atkinson, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable • Nick Goettl – A. Pat Mrotek/Ed Lenard Cadott Wrestling Club, $600; Anderson Trust Memorial, $1,000; Chippewa County Young Farmers Club, Inc., $500; Eugene & Margaret King, $1,000; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable; UW-River Falls Falcon Soar Award, $1,000
• Easton Goodman – Cadott Quarterback Club Football, $1,000
• Sage Handrick – Ruscin Memorial, $1,000
• Makenna Harel – Edith C. Couey, $500; Frank & Janet Atkinson, $500; LeAnn Marie Frank, $500; Lee Danielson and Larry Milling, $500; Tom Blanchette Wrestling, $200
• Alex Jackson – Director’s Award for Chorus, $200
• Katlynn Jackson – Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence U.S. Marine Youth Foundation – $100
• Emma Kowalczyk – American Legion Auxiliary Merit Award, $250; Cadott Girls Basketball Club, $250; Elks National Foundation, $1,000; Ryan Wilson Memorial, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable; UW-La Crosse Merit, $2,000
• Imara Mackie – Albert A. Tannler, $500; Anderson Trust Memorial, $1,000;Dorris Venard Nursing, $1,250
• Logan Matherne – Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, $1,000; John Phillip Sousa Band Award, $250; UW-Stevens Point Endowed, $1,500; UW-Stevens Point Melvin Laird, $2,000, renewable; UW-Stevens Point Merit, $1,250; UW-Stevens Point Paper Science & Chemical Engineering Foundation, $2,900, renewable
• Bird Nowak – Cadott Drama, $200; Director’s Award for Chorus, $200
• Scott Pederson – Cadott Drama, $200; Nancy Knitter, $500; National School Choral Award, $200
• Carson Schemenauer – Bohemian Hall Lodge 141, $200
• Jaycee Stephens – Edith C. Couey, $500; Lila C. McConville, $500; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable
• Kendall Webster – Bill Nye Cadott Wrestling, $400; “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” Dr. Seuss, $1,000
• Jayden Winchell – Albarado/ Klay, $1,000; National Honor Society, $250; Ruscin Memorial, $1,000; Tobola Educational Fund, $2,185.07, renewable
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="194"]
As a Hall of Honor recipient, Terry Licht continues to work in agronomy and better the community, along with officiating games and believes in being a strong presence. “Don’t be a spectator in life, participate strongly in life,” he said. Photo by Joy Dain[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_230545" align="alignnone" width="289"]
Accepting a Cadott Hall of Honor Award on their mother’s behalf, the children of Emma Jane “Midge” Luebstorf were very grateful, but emotional. Luebstorf was very active in the community and fought for equality in girls sports. Photo by Joy Dain[/caption]
