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Beginning a new journey

MHS graduates celebrated at commencement

Cheers, horns, whistles and applause rang through the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse Sunday afternoon as gown-and-cap-clad seniors completed a journey into young adulthood.

“I want to congratulate the Class of 2017,” said district Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte, whose words were followed by a Spanish translation from district Director of Instruction Dr. Lisa Stevenson. “As you go forward today, I encourage you to be passionate about pursuing your dreams.”

He also thanked the graduates’ friends and families, who packed the Roundhouse bleachers to witness the ceremony, for helping students find success in high school.

Four representatives from the Class of 2017 shared inspirational words with their peers before, one-by-one, the seniors stepped up to the stage to receive their diplomas.

“Marshalltown High School has changed us,” said class member Michelle Ankrum, adding the people she met in high school expanded her view of life. “I have friends from different countries who speak different languages than me.”

Fellow graduating seniors Morgan Van Staalduine and Nyadoar Gatwech also had words of encouragement and reflection, imploring that students remember their experiences in high school and wishing them luck in the future.

Additionally, senior Nicholas Cooper didn’t so much speak as sing. He gave a solo rendition of “May You Always Have a Song” before congratulating his classmates.

Parents, school staff, National Honor Society members, silver cord awardees, class officers and students who maintained a 3.5 or more and a 4.0 grade point average throughout high school were all recognized during the proceedings.

Also recognized was the late Derek Cisneros, a 12-year-old Marshalltown student who was killed in a March car accident.

Along with Schutte, Marshalltown School Board President Bea Niblock and MHS Principal Jacque Wyant addressed the graduating class with words of advice and well-wishes.

“I bring with me the collective wishes of the board,” Niblock said. “Congratulations for your achievements.”

Niblock also told students to “Do what is right,” “Be respectful” and “Find something to be thankful for everyday” as they move into life after high school, wherever that may be.

It is estimated that 312 students moved their tassels from one side to the other of their red or blue caps Sunday. After the students walked on stage and family members cheered and snapped plenty of pictures, groups could be seen gathering outside the Roundhouse with balloons and flowers, ready to enjoy the fine weather of an eventful, memorable day.

“Be proud of your accomplishments,” Ankrum said. “Be proud of where you come from.”

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Students lined up anxiously in a hallway near the high school cafeteria before making their appearance in the Roundhouse for commencement, where they sat in alphabetical order, waiting to come to the stage.

Contact Adam Sodders at (641) 753-6611 or asodders@timesrepublican.com

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