Beacon High School Holds Commencement

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – The Beacon High School Class of 2018 will be remembered for many things, but perhaps, none stand out as much as a certain number, one used to refer to their most recent Superintendent.

“I was number 13 to many of you,” reflected a smiling Dr. Matt Landahl, Superintendent of the Beacon School District, who further added that this year’s Class had the distinction of having 13 Superintendents during their Beacon School tenure.

Alluding again to that rapidity of change, Landahl went on to point out the importance of short-term goals, making an analogy with his five year old son and vision of how long he initially hoped to stay in Beacon.

“At first, it was when he would graduate from high school,” said Landahl, but then short-term it became until he graduated from kindergarten.”
After some chuckles, the audience and graduates, further listened in to some of Landahl’s advice.

“If you make a mistake, fix it,” affirmed Landahl, equating such to catching a missing recognition on the Commencement program. “Also, express gratitude, and express it often; thank you: teachers, administrators, seniors and families.”

Soon after Landahl’s Welcoming Remarks. Juliet Trautman, Salutatorian provided some words to her Class of 2018 as it embarks into the world of college, military and work.

“For better or worse, we have helped shape each other and bonded, and we are all very lucky,” said Trautman.

“Think about the people who made it hard for you to leave all this behind, and know this is the beginning of the rest of our lives.”

Right after Trautman, Oluwatofunmi “Jummie” Akinwunmi, Valedictorian, spoke from behind the front podium in the High School’s Gymnasium. Focusing on graduation being not just an ending but a bright, new start, Akinwunmi urged her approximately 175 classmates to be prepared.

“Regardless of where we are going, it is absolutely necessary that we gain all the skills necessary to be helpful to others and make a difference,” said Akinwunmi. “Our generation is responsible for changing the world; the biggest question we can ask ourselves is what we can do for the future.”

Someone who helped make many people’s futures brighter and served as inspiration to many within the School’s Gymnasium was Mr. Ronald Lovelace, United States Army-Vietnam. Mr. Lovelace, unable to attend the Commencement due to medical reasons, was awarded a high school diploma as part of the School’s involvement with Operation Recognition, enabling school districts to award diplomas to war veterans.

Also included in the program were several music interludes as well as a video presentation, and words from the final student speaker, Senior Class President, Kellen Sela.

“The keys to happiness and success are not going to be about a grade on a test, but how we make others feel,” advised Sela. “Smile at as many people as you can, and take your experiences with all you have learned to help others, while taking a chance doing what you love.”