'These students will do great things'

Family, friends and community members bid farewell to 54 seniors at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School on Sunday afternoon.

The group was sent off with their tassels turned and diplomas in hand following the annual commencement ceremony inside the H-M-S Event Center. Principal Blake Wendt said he was proud of the Class of 2024 and encouraged them to blaze a path of success in whatever they do after high school.

"While many see today as an ending to these students' educational journeys, it is in fact a new beginning," he said. "These students are together today to take their first step into a larger world. Wherever their journey takes them from here, I know that these students will do great things."

Salutatorian Adam Schierholz, of Hartley, encouraged his classmates to look back at their journey at H-M-S and remember the trials and obstacles they overcame to reach graduation day. He also noted it was important to remember the people that made their success possible – parents, teachers, coaches, friends and community members.

"The good times we remember far past our high school years prove that the last four years were not simply about reaching the final destination of graduation, but appreciating the journey we've taken to get here," Schierholz said. "As we prepare to undertake the challenges that will face us in the next chapter of our lives, we will always carry with us the lessons we have learned from our struggles."

Valedictorian George Vargas Calderon, of Melvin, also expressed gratitude for those that helped the class throughout the years. He congratulated his classmates on their hard work, dedication and perseverance, and encouraged them to use the lessons they've learned at H-M-S to make a positive impact on the world.

"We must remember and appreciate our history as we move on to do bigger and better things," he said. "We must step out into the unknown with optimism, character and resolve so that we can carve our own path for a better future."

Vargas Calderon said he and his classmates had nothing to be sad about as they head their different ways.

"Don't be sad that it's over, be glad that it happened," he said.