Becker High School bid bon voyage to the Class of 2018 last Friday with the 100th annual commencement in the gymnasium of BHS.

 

The class motto was: “To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; Not only plan, but aso believe.”

 

These students put the capstone on 100 years of Becker graduates. They followed in the footsteps of those who had gone before them — some even who were grandparents, parents and in-laws. Friday’s celebration focused on this year’s class, but paid heed to the thousands of students who called themselves Becker graduates from 1918 to today.

 

Music Director Craig Vogl had his wind ensemble kick off the evening with Fanfare and Processional while the graduates entered the gym among their senior class advisors.

 

Some students exuded joy, some anxiety and some pride as they made their way to their chairs. And some were melancholy as they realized there’s nothing left of high school but memories.

 

The Becker American Legion followed the procession as the Color Guard marched up the aisle to the front to present the flags. Graduate Samantha Pounds sang a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner while guests stood proudly, covered their hearts and Legion members and veterans saluted the Red, White and Blue.

 

Principal Rick Toso gave a quick welcome to all in attendance and introduced Supt. Dr. Stephen Malone. Malone also greeted the students, families and friends and Toso returned to the mic to salute members of the military who were present.

 

The wind ensemble again performed under the direction of Vogl a music piece called, The Pacific.

 

Toso introduced Grace Jacobson and Blake Paulson who were chosen class speakers. They eloquently spoke of their pride, their  successes and their pleasure with speaking for and to their classmates.

 

The class chose Teacher  Josh Ihrke to be the faculty speaker and his poignant tribute brought contemplation, observation and more than  a few laughs.

 

Choir Director Gretchen Bordson then gathered the senior choir members for a spirited rendition of, Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

 

Seniors Sierra Payton Bernstrom and Allison Hendrickson from the graduation committee volunteered to introduce this year’s graduate hall-of-fame awards. The HOF-ers were Heidi Fredrickson Mesik (Class of 1997) and Doug Kolbinger (1986).

 

Mesik and Kolbinger accepted their honors and gave short speeches,  encouraging this year’s graduates to go out and flourish.

 

Dr. Malone, Principal Toso, Aaron Jurek and Mark Swanson of the school board — along with other faculty — shook hands and handed out diplomas as  graduate names were read by Anicca Lundeen and Maggie Maine.

 

Moments after the last graduate was announced,  classmates Bryce Boser and Georgia Thom were asked  to say a few words and instruct the seniors to move their tassels from one side of their mortar boards to the other. At that point, the excited seniors  tossed their caps high into the gymnasium ceiling.

 

The wind ensemble closed out the evening with Fanfare and Recessional as students, family and friends exited the building for hugs, handshakes and photos.

 

The senior graduation executive council consisted of Payton Bernstrom, Bryce Boser, Rachel Eisenreich, Alli Hendrickson, Miranda O’Brien, Blake Paulson and Georgia Thom.