Plains graduates move on to the next step

PLAINS - All the glory associated with high school graduation was on display Sunday in the Plains High School gym. Packed with hundreds of parents, friends and family members, the stage was set for a ceremony to celebrate a benchmark in the lives of 28 young people.

Before the ceremony began, students milled about the hallways of the school; adjusting their robes, taking pictures with classmates and recalling fond memories from years past. As the students lined up for the last time in these hallways for the processional into the gym, some graduates looked to the future instead of reflecting on the past.

For graduate Dallas Burgess, looking to the future includes the realization that he will most likely be leaving friends and family behind as he continues on his road to success on the golf course.

“I’m going to go to Montana Western for two years and then the University of Idaho,” said Burgess. “They have a golf management program there so I would learn how to be a club professional some day.”

As Dallas and his fellow graduates made their way into the gym, the crowd rose to their feet to honor the years of hard work, studying, extra curricular activities and dedication to their education.

After walking past the crowd in pairs during the processional, graduates took their seats for the official welcome message from graduate Rachel Ibarra. Ibarra thanked the crowd for coming and then ceded the floor to Principal Larry McDonald for the introduction of guest speaker Ken Nelson.

Nelson’s speech, while punctuated with moments of wit and humor, contained an important message for the graduates. Aided with an audio-visual presentation, Nelson told the students there were many keys to success in their future endeavors.

“Don’t be ruled by your fears. Be prepared. Don’t wait around for life to be fair. Life is never going to be fair,” said Nelson.

“If you want to become a doctor, the first step is not to set foot out these doors and be a doctor. It is a series of small steps,” said Nelson. “Your goals take time. Set your sights on making your life better today. Take one thing at a time and make it better.”

Concluding his speech with a reassuring message, Nelson said, “Remember that everyone here loves you. We are a big family and we are here whenever you need us. Anything you need, just let us know. That goes for the whole town.”

Next to speak was class of 2013 valedictorian Alex Hagerman. Hagerman graduated from Plains High School with a grade point average of 3.96. Although admittedly out of his comfort zone, Hagerman delivered an inspiring speech to his classmates.

Hagerman addressed the accomplishments of past generations, reflecting on his grandfather that served during World War II. Hagerman drew parallels between his generation and those previous, illustrating struggles of the past and those of the present.

“As we begin a new phase in life we have a responsibility to make the most of it we can,” said Hagerman. “We have a responsibility to make our society better. This means working toward goals that help others. This means taking responsibility to elect leaders concerned with making America stronger.”

Class of 2013 salutatorian Ashley Holmes was next to speak. While Hagerman addressed the past, Holmes spoke about the future of her classmates.

“Our high school graduation is just one of the stepping stones in our lives. It is one of the most important ones. It is now our turn to make decisions for which the future holds for us,” said Holmes. “The rest of our lives depend on what kind of choices we make in the next few months, so choose wisely.”

Following a slideshow of student pictures, Superintendent Thom Chisholm presented the graduating class to the audience before the presentation of the diplomas.

After receiving their certificates, the graduating class of 2013 made their way out of the gym, leaving behind the legacy of their time here and to begin the next chapter of their lives.