SHS Commencement Held Friday Evening at SHS

The Sullivan School District held its Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises on Friday evening, May 21, at the Sullivan Athletic Stadium.

The 165 graduates of the Class of 2021 entered the stadium to the Sullivan High School Band directed by Chuck Moore to Pomp and Circumstance, followed by the National Anthem.

Sullivan High School Principal Jason Merkel welcomed the graduates, family members, faculty, board, and all guests in attendance, including the Class of 1971, joining as special guests for the Class of 2021.

Merkel also asked those in attendance that served or currently served in the United States military to stand for a round of applause, followed by a round of applause for those seniors entering the military following graduation.

Merkel recognized Kathy Smith, a retiring science teacher who also served in numerous extracurricular activities.

Merkel then commented how proud he was of the Class of 2021 in their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their dedication and hard work.

Assistant Principal and Activities Director Cody Davis presented all of the honors students, which was followed by the presentation of the Top 10 Students of the Class of 2021: Valedictorian Samantha Record, Salutatorian Reagan Thomure, Katie Gelski, Hanna Johanning, Eleanor Lahmann, Derek Johnson, Saige Carey, Raeleigh Miller, Jordan Woodcock and Rayna White.

Tona Lewis recognized that 116 students had qualified and achieved A Plus status for education funding, spending some 6,251 hours tutoring other students, maintaining a 2.96 GPA and 96 percent attendance.

Class of 2021 President Maria Fabay addressed her classmates and thanked the Class of 1971 for their attendance and support of the Class of 2021.

Fabay discussed the fact that the Class of 2021 didn’t know if they would have a senior year,  that so many things were taken away from them, but it was a blessing to be here for graduating.

Fabay praised the class for their hard work and dedication, adding that this isn’t goodbye forever; the Class of 2021 are Eagles and part of a family of graduates now.

Fly Away, by Pinkzebra, was performed by SHS Choir under the direction of Natalie Moore.

Salutatorian Reagan Thomure took to the stage congratulating classmates on their achievement, stating, “We finally made it.”

Thomure stated this was the beginning of a new exciting journey, adding that life goes by in the blink of an eye.

Thomure encouraged her classmates to Jesus Christ in their lives and build that relationship and you will realize his overwhelming love.

“As I move into adulthood, I know God will be with me, helping me write my life story,” concluded Thomure.

Stars and Stripes Forever, by John Phillip Sousa, was then performed by the SHS Band.

Valedictorian Samantha Record welcomed everyone and began to give her classmates some advice or life lessons, stating: Find Your Place and Don’t Let Go, Everyone Is Human, its okay to not be okay, talk to people, friends, don’t bottle things up inside let yourself be loved.

Record continued telling graduates to take lots of pictures that memories aren’t enough sometimes, and pictures help continue those memories, and handwork beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

“Please, whatever you do in life, you live life how you want to, don’t let anyone take it away from you,” said Record.

The Class of 2021 was then presented with their diplomas by School Superintendent Jana Thornsberry and President of the School Board, Shannon Johanning.

The Class of 2021 Class Motto was, “We’re not here for a long time; we’re here for a good time,” Huey Lewis; Class Flower: Sunflower; Class Colors: Baby Blue and Gray and Class Song: Tongue Tied by Grouplove.