Staff writer
There were tears of sadness and air horns of celebration as families, friends, school board members, staff, teachers, and community celebrated with 20 graduating seniors Saturday at Goessel High School’s 2013 graduation ceremony.
Senior soloists Tyler Schulz, Davis Cook, and Shane Goerzen sang emotional verses in “I Won’t Give Up” by Mraz and Natter, backed by the soulful Elbiata Singers. Grant Flaming and Schulz shared embarrassing and laughable school-days memories with the audience.
Speakers chosen by the senior class for the ceremony, Curtis Guhr and Crysta Guhr, made a teamwork presentation, emphasizing that the graduates should pursue their interests, push for success, and yet remember to pause for moments of wisdom.
They urged the students not to follow the mantra that “good things come to those who wait,” but rather put aside texting, tweeting, and television, and work hard to reach their goals.
Board of Education President Dan Miller and school board member Darla Meysing presented the 20 graduates with their diplomas, and class valedictorian Johanna Hoffman and salutatorian Tia Goertzen gave the final farewell.
Other than the official class portrait and memories, the only things left behind as the 2013 graduating class of Goessel High School left the gymnasium for their assorted receptions and a variety of future plans were the blue-board caps that had been flung high in celebration. Superintendent John Fast picked them up on his way out.