RIVER FALLS – The River Falls High School Class of 2023 officially concluded their high school careers, walking the stage at graduation June 4.
Four speeches were featured at the …
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RIVER FALLS – The River Falls High School Class of 2023 officially concluded their high school careers, walking the stage at graduation June 4.
Four speeches were featured at the graduation, with four messages about how the students should move forward.
Senior speaker Mikayla Peterson reminded the class that their time is numbered and told them to enjoy every second of their days.
“Whatever you think needs to get done can wait, our finite time cannot,” Peterson said. “Every person in this room is the youngest they’ll ever be again. Take it in.”
Peterson mentioned not regretting striving to get to Harvard despite not getting in, saying life is about pushing through the challenges along the way.
Senior speaker Sophia Jensen spoke about how change tells the story of people’s lives. Jensen told the story of how the Class of 2023 entered high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first three years of high school were much different than expected.
“We thought simply being in high school would be the biggest change of that year,” Jensen said. “We could’ve never imagined that our first year as high schoolers would be interrupted by a global pandemic.”
Superintendent Jamie Benson said the Class of 2023 has faced similar challenges but will now break off and live much different lives. Benson hopes the students remember the character traits they picked up along the way.
“Remember at the beginning and end of each day, when you look in the mirror, it’s your character that most defines who you are,” Benson said.
Benson said the class has learned to lead as a team instead of individuals, and hopes they carry that on as their lives continue.
Principal Kit Luedtke took the stage after the students received their diplomas, giving three lessons learned during the year to the students: handle difficult times, believe in yourself and others and practice empathy. Luedtke told the students that whatever happens moving forward, they will always have a home in River Falls.
“Don’t forget, no matter where you go, the successes, the challenges and the unforeseen events that are in front of you, this will always be home,” Luedtke said.
