Lisa Hinzman
Bri Henning
Looking back on my years at Solon High School, it’s hard to imagine life without this place.
From walking into preschool hallways to stepping across the stage later this week, Solon has been my home for as long as I can remember. Being here since preschool has given me a lifelong perspective, watching classmates grow from our little selves to where we are now. Over the years, our community has shown up in ways big and small. Throughout the years, our town has been there for us in all kinds of ways: local businesses helping with mock interviews, generous donations for fundraisers, and supporters cheering us on at every game and event. That steady support helped shape our class into the Spartans we are today.
Teachers and staff define the Solon experience. The passion they bring to their classrooms and extracurricular programs makes every lesson memorable. Whether it was staying after school to answer questions in chemistry or helping a club through its first big project, our mentors went above and beyond.
The relationships I formed with these educators have been as important as any grade or medal won.
We’re a class that grew up side by side. Having consistent classmates for most of our school career made it easy to find someone who had your back during difficult times. When I needed advice or just wanted a familiar face in the crowd, there was always someone to turn to. This fellowship extends from the student section at football games to the quiet of the library during finals week. I have never been the biggest sports fan, but there are few feelings similar to donning blackout gear in the student section of a Solon Mt. Vernon playoff game surrounded by peers.
I am grateful for the opportunities Solon offered me personally. Thanks to the school’s and community’s support I was able to complete a certified nursing aide apprenticeship at the local care center. Dual enrollment allowed me to earn my Associate of Science degree while saving both time and money. Solon’s connections opened doors to job shadows at nearby hospitals and an internship at the University of Iowa. These experiences gave me real insight into my future field and reinforced how fortunate we are to learn in a community that invests in its students.
As we prepare to graduate and step into the next chapter, I look forward to seeing how our class will continue to shape the world beyond these halls. To the Spartans of 2025 and the community who stood with us along the way, thank you.