That quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson was the Algona High School Class of 2009's motto and the theme of the welcome speech from David Fenchel, school board president.
Fenchel urged the students to take the motto and make it more than just a phrase used at commencement.
"There are well worn paths with challenges that are safe, with obstacles that do not involve risk taking. If you do no more than required your life can be safe and predictable," he stated. "I hope you will want more than what is safe and predictable. Be bold. Be creative. Be innovative. Be willing to work hard with honesty and integrity.
"You leave the school with a job well done," added Fenchel. "You have competed and excelled as a class, competed and excelled in the arts and competed and excelled in athletics. You have given us much to be proud of."
Senior speaker and class president Michael Becker pointed out the 3,420 days since the class had entered kindergarten.
"There is one question to ask yourself as you make the next step," he stated. "What would you attempt to do if you could not fail?."
He credited much of the seniors' successes on the parents and on the faculty.
"Here at Algona High School we are blessed by faculty that involve the student, where true learning occurs. Socrates said 'I cannot teach anyone anything, I can only make them think'," said Becker. "That is what they gave us."
He urged his fellow graduates to continue what they had started and make friends as they go.
"No matter who did what, they were supported by the class of 2009. We always did things together," he said.
He also encouraged the students to live in the moment.
"This first 18 years has been training," he added. "It should not be the best 18 years of your life. This is a new chance to make an impression on the world."
Principal Jared Cecil presented the class of 2009. A total of 15 seniors earned the right to wear the silver cord honoring their community service with a combined total of 2,400 hours donated to their church, school or community projects: Kyle Arey, Ian Barber, Brooke Benschoter, Joshua Davis, Bailee Doocy, Abby Eischen, Melissa Gade, Sarah Haack, Mitchell Habeger, Christine Hemann, Andrea Klepper, Sydney Marsh, Margaret Nerison, Erin Parker and Shaun Von Muenster.
Wearing the gold cord honoring a grade point average of 3.4 or higher were Sydney Marsh, Andrea Klepper, Rachael Black, Elizabeth Black, Kelsey Kuecker, Brian Culver, Justin Zwiefel, Garrett Lanus, Shaun Von Muenster, Grant Person, Taylor Norland, Sarah Haack, Margaret Nerison, Abby Eischen, Lauren Linahon, Hannah Krause, Michael Becker, Joshua Davis, Ian Barber, Alexander Dittrich, Michelle Tietz, Bailee Doocy and Mitchell Habeger.
A list of awards and scholarships given to students provided by the Algona Community School District will be online at www.algona.com.
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