Graduation 2024 - That's A Wrap!

The long-awaited day for the Class of '24 finally came this past Sunday at the North Gym as this year's seniors said a final good-bye to Cascade Public Schools, to begin a new chapter in their lives. Five of these seniors had spent their entire school life here, Badgers since kindergarten! But they will all take with them fond memories and values that can only be learned at a small town school.

One wonders, however, what goes on in the seniors' minds as they sit there on the stage, the focus of all in attendance, especially their parents, bursting with pride. Are they there in the moment, or are their minds wandering back to special scenes from their school life? Are they hearing the wisdom being imparted to them by the commencement speaker, or are they suddenly gripped by the reality of a future of being on their own?

Madi Ward receives the Student of the Year Award. Jeramiah Creveling gives the Salutatorian Address. Seth McKamey addresses the audience as Valedictorian. Elementary Teacher of the Year goes to Karen Allen, and Jennifer Ward, Commencement Speaker, receives the High School Teacher of the Year Award. A special Honorary Diploma was presented to Joseph Walter Enger by Jeff Mortag. All of this is happening as if in a blurr, as the seniors sit there, contemplating all the while, that they're no longer children, but young adults. Luckily, they've had good role-models in their parents and teachers here. They've got this!

Suddenly, they're brought back to reality. The Presentation of Flowers (my favorite part). The seniors come off the stage to present flowers to the people who have sacrificed the last twelve years of their lives to bring their seniors to this point. This is followed by a slide show where we get to see these guys literally grow up before our eyes. Wow, where did all the time go?

The Graduation Ceremony culminates with the Presentation of Diplomas by Mr. John Rumney and the certification of the Class of 2024 by Superintendent, Levi Collins.

CONGRATULATIONS GUYS! LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE THEY COME! THAT'S A WRAP!