Blair Community Schools Supt. Randy Gilson commended the class of 2021 for its ability to persevere through unprecedented challenges.
“During the year many thought would never happen, you made the improbable possible,” Supt. Randy Gilson said. “I can't think of a better class to have leading it through the most difficult times than you.”
One hundred-forty-seven students graduated from Blair High School on Sunday during an hour-long ceremony.
One year after the coronavirus pandemic postponed the 2020 graduation to an outdoor event in August, the ceremony returned to the BHS gym.
Graduate Cole Wilkins acknowledged the pandemic in his welcome speech after thanking parents, teachers, coaches and the community.
“To the coronavirus, for giving us the longest spring break in history, for showing us how much we really took for granted and for making us understand how important family and friends really are, we thank you,” he said. “And also to the coronavirus, for making us wear masks, for limiting the number of things we can do and affecting our senior experience, for making us only sit four people to a lunch table, we don't thank you.”
Eighty percent of the 147 graduates will pursue post-secondary schooling following graduation. Fifty-three percent of those students received scholarships.
Three graduates from the Class of 2021 will join the military: Calum Besta, Army Reserves; Anissa Delgado, National Guard; and Tierney Dodd, U.S. Army.
“On behalf of everyone here, thank you for your dedication, commitment and willingness to serve,” counselor Christine Ross said.
The crowd offered a standing ovation to those graduates.
BCS Board of Education president Kari Loseke recognized the class of 2021 as significantly smaller than some of the most recent classes to graduate from BHS.
“But what I can say about this class, however, is you may be small in numbers, but you sure are mighty. Just ask the teachers. I think you won't be forgotten,” she said.
For the last 13 years, the graduates have been on a similar path leading up to graduation.
“But now, you get to make the choice of where you go from here,” Loseke said.
Loseke shared five “dares” from the book “I Dare You” by William Danforth — a book she received when she was a senior in high school.
• I dare you to be strong.
• I dare you to think creatively.
• I dare you to have a magnetic personality.
• I dare you to build character.
• I dare you to share.
Graduate Nathan Hiykel reflected on the many memories the class shared, but also looked forward to the future as the ceremony came to a close.
“In these last few minutes, I want you to remember this: you are your only limit. That piece of paper you are given has no weight or significance. It's what you have done, the memories you have made and the moments you have experienced …
“The experiences that you have made at this school creates a foundation that will propel you through life,” he said.
