LITTLEFORK — The gymnasium at the Littlefork-Big Falls High School Friday was full of parents and community ready celebrate a milestone for 19 young men and women.
The graduating class of 2008 included William Boyd, Jr., Bethany Crane, Wesley Davis, Gordon Elmberg, Aaron Gates, Christine Gordon, Kelly Hams, Mark Haverland, Brett Hell, Anton Imhof, Paul Kennedy, Chris Klemetsen, Ian Klemetsen, Michael Koba, Sergey Koba, Krystal Lehman, Zachary McClellan, Kalei Reimer and Zakary Vork.
The graduates were welcomed into the gym by the high school band performance of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. The choir, with some of the graduates joining in the singing, later performed “Spread Your Wings and Fly.”
The event was officiated by Superintendent Fred Seybert. He welcomed guests and commended the students, saying they should be proud of their accomplishments. He reflected on the uncertain times that we live in and that their schooling would serve as a good foundation as they continued their studies as “works in progress.”
Seybert encouraged them to make the world a better and safer place to live in, and to apply their education in service to their communities and continue to be good citizens.
Valedictorian and salutatorian Wesley Davis and Anton Imhof thanked the faculty and community for their support and encourage their fellow graduates to look back occasionally for strength, but to keep their eyes on the future.
Their speech was followed by a class video presentation. A mini biography of the students was displayed with a listing of their favorite things and wishes for the future.
Nick Kantos, school counselor, officiated the scholarship presentations. Twenty scholarships were presented to students by representatives of many area businesses and benevolent or financial institutions.
The diplomas were awarded by school board members Mike Imhof and John Mastin.
“It’s very gratifying to watch this class come through and to have their dreams to follow,” said Mike Imhof, school board member.
The band concluded the event with “His Honor.” Families and community went outside into the warm evening where the students formed a line and many hand shakes and hugs ensued.