Jason Arndt, jarndt@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt From left, Shawano Community High School Class of 2015 president Madeline Schultz, valedictorian Cole Huntington and salutatorian Elena Bohm were the first three students to receive their diplomas Friday during the Shawano Community High School commencement ceremony.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt SCHS Class of 2015 valedictorian Cole Huntington receives his diploma from School Board President Tyler Schmidt at Friday’s commencement ceremony.
Valedictorian Cole Huntington urged his 165 classmates to persevere through challenges in his commencement speech Friday at Shawano Community High School.
Using his experiences in the classroom and in athletics to illustrate his message, Huntington said being benched turned into a learning experience.
“Get back up, because that is what life is about,” he said. “Learn from those mistakes and do something different the next time.”
Huntington also reminded his classmates to be grateful for what they have and to thank the people in their lives who have helped them.
“Please take the time to thank your parents, and tell them you love them,” Huntington said.
He also emphasized the need for humility and kindness, suggesting people take the time to reach out and help others and to be team players, something he learned through sports.
“After all, it is not about me, it is about my teammates,” Huntington said.
Huntington lettered in football and basketball, and recently qualified for the WIAA Division 2 golf sectional. He also was a member of FBLA for four years and served on the student council, including as president last year.
Salutatorian Elena Bohm also used sports and her experience in cross-country to relate the life lessons she learned at SCHS.
She said there were times, especially during her sophomore year, when she wanted to slow down or stop, but had to continue running. The WIAA gave her another challenge last fall when it changed the girls cross-country distance from 4K to 5K.
“I just barely made it,” she joked.
Bohm was a member of Tri-M, a musical group, symphony orchestra, student council and Junior Achievement.
She and Huntington plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Huntington will study business; Bohm has not decided on a major.
Principal Scott Zwirschitz acknowledged Huntington, Bohm and the entire Class of 2015 for leaving behind a legacy of academic and athletic achievement.
“I would like to thank (Cole) and (Elena) for their kind words,” Zwirschitz said. “You all definitely left a lasting impression on this school’s history.”
Superintendent Gary Cumberland encouraged students to continue learning after leaving the school and to find something they are passionate about.
“Keep making a difference in this world,” Cumberland said.
Near the conclusion of the commencement, Zwirschitz acknowledged two missing members of the Class of 2015: Cody Borsche and Tyler Welch, who were killed last fall in an auto accident.
Zwirschitz reminded the community to remember them in a positive light. The message was greeted with loud applause.