KAHS graduation was held Thursday, June 5. Seventy students graduated with the class of 2003. Principal Karen Imholte presided over the ceremony. She said, “This is a night that has been long anticipated by students … It is a time to celebrate and honor our students.” Teachers and staff were honored for their role in the celebration. “They have been preparing, correcting, comforting and encouraging [our students] for the past 13 years,” Imholte said. Presentations were given by three class speakers who addressed the gathered parents, family and friends. Amanda Hentges spoke about the various events the class of 2003 have had through the past 13 years. She gave many specifics about what the class experienced together and mentioned incidences involving particular graduates. “We have made it through because we stuck together,” said Hentges. Her speech concluded by reminding classmates that they are “taking our memories and moving on – no matter where we will go – Kimball will always be our home.” Rachel Stein talked about the present and did an adaptation of the famous poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” She talked about how her classmates prepared for their big day. “Seniors were dreaming of their futures – none in their beds.” Her poem included looking at what they had learned, and how they were prepared for the big day. She said the class was “dressed in blue from head to toe, and ready to face a world of challenges ahead.” Next, Alanna Bowman talked about the road ahead. She read from the Dr. Suess book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” She told the class, “Our futures are full of decisions. There will be some obstacles that we will face. We can get through these by remembering our family, friends and teachers.” Two students, Amanda Linn and Britanni Jonas, prepared a special slide for their guests. They showed photos of themselves as babies, in their elementary school years, and their current senior pictures. Names were announced and the graduates walked across the stage to accept their diplomas from Principal Imholte, Superintendent Scott Thielman and a school board representative. After receiving their diplomas, seniors were given a rose by their high school teachers. The class moved their tassels and threw their hats. Principal Imholte said, “There is no doubt [this class] will persevere as they go on to the next phases of life. The lessons learned here will remain throughout as a guiding light.” Students were dismissed and formed a receiving line where members of the community could visit and offer congratulations to the graduates.
