Hamburg’s Class of 2018 said farewell to the halls of Hamburg Area High School during the 56th annual Commencement program held in the school gym on June 8.
“We are a small school and a small graduating class, but that makes us special,” said Salutatorian Collin Stout. “We’ve had the opportunity to get to know each other… always remember each other as you go on to bigger and better things.”
Stout advised his fellow graduates to live in the present.
“It’s important not to worry so much about the future or be so focused on the past that you forget to live here and now,” said Stout. “Enjoy the days to come and do not worry so much about what the future holds. We have all made it this far and will be able to do just as much in the future. What is important is to live and enjoy now.”
Offering advice for the future, Stout said no matter what they do after graduation, remember to just do your best. Do not stress about the things you cannot change. Never be afraid to fail and always learn from it.
“Be sure of your decisions and you will live with fewer regrets,” said Stout. “As adults now, you make your own decisions so try to make good ones.”
Valedictorian Wyatt Conrad said while they are walking away from the halls of Hamburg High School, they do not have to walk away from each other.
“Life is a run, not a race,” said Conrad. “Anyone who knows me knows I am obsessed with running.”
Conrad advised against rushing through everything: race through high school, race to college, race to work.
“But why race through life when we all know what comes at the end. We have to learn to treat life like a nice leisurely run,” he said. “We’re in no hurry.”
Prior to the presentation of diplomas, Hamburg Area High School Principal Christopher Spohn presented awards to the graduating seniors.
“I have the distinguished duty to reveal and announce the awards, honors and scholarships bestowed upon seniors for their outstanding demonstration of scholarship, service, leadership and character,” said Spohn. “This Class has received a vast number of awards.”
Each award recipient’s name was called and their awards announced. They each walked across the stage to receive their awards.