Graduates told to follow their dreams, appreciate the moments

“Follow your dreams no matter where it leads you,” Dr. Robert Meisel told Clintonville High School graduates Saturday at the school’s 131st commencement ceremony.

Meisel, recipient of the school’s Alumnus Honoris Award for 2016, also told the students: “Travel when you can. Expand your vision and culture. Do it while you are young. Be kind to people, not too quick to judge. Follow your heart, do the best you can be. Treat others as you want to be treated.”

Meisel was one of several speakers at the ceremony.

Valedictorian Doniven Coenen recounted how his brother’s suicide in 2015 affected him and his appreciation for moments in life.

“The moments become memory,” he told his classmates. “Value the moments from school and the importance of class assignments.

“The last six months shaped my perspective on life. Value the moments we have now, not just graduation but a new beginning. Take time to slow down. … Your family is proud of you. Take this moment to enjoy it.”

Salutatorian Claire Crocker reflected on how she remembers Principal Lance Bagstad telling the class during freshman orientation not to walk across the stage as seniors with missed opportunities.

“Don’t go into the world and miss opportunities,” she said. “Choose what is right, try. For every door that closes, two more open. Go boldly, confidently and do one decision at a time.”

Class President Emma Kumm served as mistress of ceremonies, welcoming those in attendance and introducing the School Board.

The national anthem was sung by seniors Claire Crocker, Emily Klein, Emma Kumm and Alyson Young. “You’ll Be in My Heart” was sung by the CHS senior choir.

Bagstad presented the class; board members Lori Poppe and Tom Neely conferred the diplomas.

Superintendent Tom O’Toole presented the Alumnus Honoris Award to Meisel, who was born in Clintonville in 1947 and graduated from high school at the age of 16. He was the first in his family to attend college.

After talking to Dr. Lewis Thomas, a local optometrist, Meisel decided that would be his vocation. While a fourth-year student in his doctoral program, he was awarded a military scholarship and began his career in the United States Navy. His active duty assignments led him to San Diego, with stops in Okinawa and Camp Pendleton.

After leaving active duty, he joined the Naval Reserve and served with Marine Corps units. He retired as a captain with many honors, including the Clarence Gibbs Award, the highest honor given to a Reserve medical service corps officer.

Meisel co-founded a laser eye care center in San Diego and served as director and chairman of the board. He sold his interests in 2007.

His humanitarian efforts include serving the underprivileged of San Diego. He donates his time to the Lions Optometrist Vision Clinic and has helped give the gift of sight to thousands of people in places such as Haiti, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico and others.

Carl Bruggink nominated Meisel for the award.

“When I was in high school, I went out for football and baseball my freshman year but I only weighed 115 pounds,” Meisel said. “The next three years I was the statistician for Carl Bruggink, and we are still friends today. When I come back to Clintonville I often get together with Gib Johnson, Craig Akey, Bruggink and some of those.”