Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
2 H-M-S seniors bid farewell during small ceremony
H-M-S High School Class of 2020 members Matthew Meyers (second from left) and Clint Peters (third from left) turn their tassles during a special ceremony in Hartley last week. The duo is scheduled to leave for basic training prior to commencement exercises on July 12.
Matthew Meyers hugs a loved one during last week's commencement ceremony.
Clint Peters hugs a loved one during last week's commencement ceremony.
Clint Peters poses for the cameras after receiving his diploma from H-M-S school board President Scott Heetland on June 5 during a special commencement ceremony.
Matthew Meyers receives his diploma from H-M-S school board President Scott Heetland on June 5 during a special commencement ceremony.
In a year where it appeared there may not be a graduation ceremony at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 could have two.
A small ceremony was held Friday evening in front of the high school to recognize Matthew Meyers and Clint Peters, who are scheduled to leave for basic training prior to commencement exercises which are scheduled for Sunday, July 12.
"This is not really how we wanted to do this, but with COVID we have no choice," said Principal Nate Hemiller. "We wanted to do a send-off before they left."
Despite the circumstances, the ceremony included some of the traditions that the rest of the class hopes to experience in a month, including the rose presentation by the graduates to their mothers and the presentation of the diplomas by Board President Scott Heetland.
Immediate family members were in attendance.
Peters is joining the Iowa Army National Guard and was scheduled to leave for basic training this week. Meyers leaves for basic training with the United States Marine Corps later this month.
"We hope you enjoy basic training and stay safe," Hemiller said. "Take care of each other."
