Class of 2018
By Holly Neumann
The Iola-Scandinavia High School Class of 2018 graduated 44 students on Sunday, May 27.
Class President Natalie Rustad welcomed everyone to the commencement ceremonies.
“I am so humbled and appreciative that you all showed up to this afternoon to help celebrate my 18th birthday,” she said. “Oh yeah, and also graduation.”
On a more serious note she told the crowd that this was a day a celebration and reflection.
“Senior’s we made it,” she said. “We have had so many adventures since the start of the school year. And now as our senior year comes to a close, we are finally done and headed to the next step of our journey.”
Rustad thanked the teachers and congratulated them as well.
“For the past four years, you have been the ones that have motivated us, inspired us and taught us to reach for our goals,” she said. “We thank you. You have watched us cry, you have watched us laugh and you have watched us grow.”
Valediction Cocheta Packard and Salutatorian Erika Kisting also addressed the audience.
“Our generation has great ideas and we are excited to share them with the world,” said Kisting. “Now is our opportunity. We must plow the path we want to live. The ending is sad, but what is most important is the journey we now take.”
Packard talked to her classmates about the world beyond the doors of Iola-Scandinavia.
“Our talents will allow us to conquer any road blocks we face,” she said.
She offered this advice.
“Be kind to unkind people. Stop blaming other people. Listen more, talk less,” she said. “Strive for excellence and learn from the past, plan for the future.”
Keynote speaker Travis Bassett told the students that life is a journey, full of obstacles.
“Right now your lives are going to change dramatically,” he said. “You will fail and it OK. Stick with it and pursue your passions. The key to success is attitude. You are in charge of your choices and which attitude you will chose.”
He encouraged the graduates to find the one thing in their lives that they want to learn everything about and brings you joy.
“You won’t find that if you stay home, stay comfortable and don’t challenge yourself with new experiences” he said. “I challenge you to go out and have an adventure so you can discover your passion. It’s up to you.”