BCLUW class of 2018 celebrates next chapter at commencement ceremony

Fifty BCLUW seniors received their diplomas on Sunday and wrapped up one chapter of their lives, but no matter where they end up, they’ll always be Comets.
           
“As you leave here today and begin your next journey, the road will surely get bumpy at times. That is when we want you to draw from your high school experiences and the times that you could’ve given up but didn’t,” high school principal Kristyn Kell said. “We as a school and community hope that we have given you the foundation to take risks, to know what is right and wrong, to think on your feet, to be a good team player and to be able to prove it in every avenue of life.”
           
The class was celebrated for its academic excellence as over half of its members graduated with honors, and the five speakers—Brad Barkema, Troy Dolphin, Faith Leonard, Lauren Mosher and Mackenzie Trinkle—reflected on the last 13 years with a mix of humor, sadness and unflinching optimism for the future.
           
Barkema encouraged classmates to “find their process” and focus on it above the final product while setting a host of achievable goals. Dolphin touted the benefits of living in the present and enjoying the moment without constantly looking toward greener pastures.
           
“I took these things, among others, for granted, and did not appreciate what I had while I had it,” he said. “So many times, I think we get caught up in looking forward to things and forget where we are… In doing so, we often miss what’s going on around us. Sometimes it takes the end of something to realize how much it meant to you.” 
 
Photos from the ceremony and senior awards night can be found below. To purchase prints, click here. 

 
 
 
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