HUMBOLDT — Cole Herder encouraged Humboldt High’s 42 graduating seniors to someday think about returning home. Herder told the students to “Dream Humboldt” at commencement exercises late Saturday afternoon. BEFORE DIPLOMAS were handed out, several students were recognized. A HOUR BEFORE commencement, a baccalaureate service drew about half the graduating seniors.
A Humboldt High grad himself, Herder said he wanted to be an astronaut when he was young, but “I came back and found something else to do here.” He urged the graduates to do the same, follow a dream and try to include Humboldt in it.
Herder is manager of quality control at Microtronics in rural Gas and heavily involved in a multitude of groups in Humboldt.
Black rural mailboxes, each with the name of a senior painted in orange, were lined up in front of the stage.
“We hope you need one here later,” he told the seniors. “Think, what can Humboldt do for me, and what can I do for Humboldt.”
He allowed many of the students’ parents, friends and neighbors grew up in Humboldt and “are making a living for themselves here today.”
Kile Martin and Kristin McClanahan spoke on behalf of their classmates.
They noted that graduates, all dressed the same, are told that “individuality is the key to success. However, we feel there is more to success than that.
“Hard work, determination and perseverance are all important factors to being successful, but never underestimate the power of a good laugh, hanging out with friends and just enjoying life.”
“Just like our class quote from Dr. Seuss’s book. ‘Oh the Places You’ll Go’ … I want to wish you all good luck on all your future endeavors,” said McClanahan.
“To those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say well done,” Martin chimed in. “And to the C students, I say to you that you too may one day be president of the United States.”
McClanahan was given the Humboldt Lions Club watch for having the top academic record in the class. Stevie Barfoot won the Lions Club Scholarship. The Rotary Club watch, given to the male with the top academic record, went to Judiah Hawley.
The Dean A. McGee Scholarship was given to Aubrey Maxton; the Nina McGee Fellers Scholarship went to Cheyenne Schomaker; the Monarch Academic Achievement Award was won by Kristin McClanahan; the B&W Custom Trailer Hitches scholarship went to Benjamin Welch.
“Monday, adulthood will slap you right in the face,” said the Rev. Shirley Fisher, Faith Assembly of God minister.
She reminded the students that “the Lord Jesus Christ loves you more than anyone and he will be there for you,” in whatever trials and tribulations may arise. “If you seek God, He will guide you in all things that you can imagine. God wants to take you higher than you can imagine.
“His plans for you are glorious,” she concluded.
CUB SENIORS SENT OFF
