SOLON — The annual commencement exercise was held for Solon High School graduates Sunday, May 22 in Spartan Stadium with 128 diplomas issued. Principal Zach Wigle noted the Class of 2022, “…really only had one normal school year” during their high school careers due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the ongoing fallout from it.
Valedictorians Emma Bock, Eva Born, Madison Craig, Jaley Grimm, Kaia Holtkamp, Camryn Keith, Annika Kruse, Lauren Roskopf, Lauran Schwake, Savannah Stookey, and William Wittich spoke of their time as Spartans and offered words of advice to their fellow graduates.
On a related note, Jill Weetman with Solon Senior Support asked the community’s senior citizens what advice they would have for the class of 2022. Several SHS seniors have volunteered with Senior Support, and their time and contributions are greatly appreciated.
Larry Brecht, Benton Community Class of 1970 said, “Whether you think you can or cannot, you are right.”
Judy Meyer Shulista, Class of 1961, said, “And now my encouragement to the graduates: Thank you for your volunteering and especially helping seniors. Your caring and work ethic will be a great asset as you start this new chapter in your lives.”
Reverend Ken Ferguson, Pastor of the Solon United Methodist Church quoted John Wesley, the founder of Methodism: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, In all the ways you can, in all the places you can, At all the times you can, to all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
Cheryl Reyhons said, “Travel. Travel far and wide to as many places as possible to learn how other peoples of the world live, love and learn. Mark Twain’s quote: “Travel is fatal to hatred, prejudice and narrow mindedness” is a good one to keep in mind. Always, always treat others the way you would want to be treated.”
Ivan Hasselbusch said, “Always have a plan for what you are going to do. The ‘plan’ is likely to change many times but always have a concept in mind as to where you want the future to take you. As you leave high school, you may not know what you are going to do but how about having a ‘plan’ in place to have that decided within a year from now? Always have something in front of you to guide your actions going forward.”
Paul Deaton quoted poet Robert Frost, saying “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”
John Proe reminded the students to, “Never forget your home, your community, your country and not only your freedoms/rights but always your responsibilities. In life, find something you love, then find someone willing to pay you to do what you love, then always go forward enjoying what you do in life and grow older gracefully.”
Art Tellin turned to philosopher Joseph Campbell when he encouraged the graduates to, “Follow your bliss, that is to examine what really interests you, and use that as a guide to a life-long career path. In my own case, I have found that advice led me to a successful professional life.”
Marcele Kaduce took a lighter approach advising the students to “Eat the cake. Take the trip.”
Weetman also weighed in with a quote from Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
The Solon Economist wishes the Class of 2022 the very best of luck as they begin this new chapter in their lives.
Graduation 2022
May 25, 2022
About the Contributor
Chris Umscheid, Editor
Chris Umscheid is the editor of the Solon Economist.