The 2022 graduates of Lyndon High School. Photo by Chelsi Simpson Photography.
For 32 graduates of Lyndon High School, May 8, 2022, was the day their school-years-journey met a fork in the road, LHS’s 2022 valedictorian Jaeden Parker told the crowd gathered at Nick Dawson Gymnasium.
“Our journey began the first day we stepped foot in the doors of Lyndon Elementary,” Parker said. “Many of us have walked beside each other every step of the way. However, today marks the day that this journey meets a fork in the road, or rather several forks in the road.”
In a tag-team speech, Parker and 2022 LHS salutatorian Kali Moon reminded classmates that though their journey continues, they should not forget lessons the past.
“Before we take those first steps toward the future, we should take a moment to look behind us and acknowledge the path that led us to this moment,” Moon said.
She remembered kindergarten as “when we began learning how to work together as a team.” The duo recounted highlights of their school years, including the “simpler time in our life” in elementary school, the “awkward time” of middle school, and the not-so-glamorous times of high school.
“Granted our high school experience was anything but ordinary,” Moon said. “No one could have expected our high school years to be derailed by a global pandemic.”
Parker talked about all of the lessons learned over the years, but noted that learning continues.
“A common theme across the years for this class is that no matter how old we get, we continue to learn things,” he said.
Moon noted an important lesson learned was the bond that her classmates shared.
“We are more than classmates and we are more than friends. We are all family,” she said.
To finish the speech, Parker took time to also recognize a teacher that had made a significant impact in his life. He explained that as a Governor’s Scholar Award winner, he was given the opportunity to honor a teacher with the award, which he presented to Michael Kaufman. Parker described Kaufman as “a teacher I have had the privilege of having since elementary school – a teacher who has inspired me with their infectious positivity and incredible teaching style.”
During the ceremony, Kylie Ratzlaff, senior class president presented the class key to Taylor Segrist, junior class president. Following the key presentation, Lyndon High School Principal Tanner Smith introduced the guest speaker, Toby Baker, LHS social sciences teacher.
Smith confirmed the Lyndon High School class of 2022 for graduation, and diplomas were presented by USD 421 Board of Education members. LHS 2022 graduates included Ryan Michael Addleman, Trey Christopher-Scot Bazil, Kyler Alvin Bergkamp, Jace Ray Brecheisen, Kaielyn Marie Brooker, Dylan Todd Buckalew, Addyson Mackenzie Easter, Mia Renae Fischer, Mariah Noel Fredricks, Eleanor Kella Harty, Josye Cheyene Hutchcroft, William Andrew Kill, Raylen Dale Krause, Aiyana Morningstar Lacey, Virginia Christine Landtroop, Liam Nicholas Long, Rebecca Marie Love , Kelbi Lyn Markham, Darian Michael Massey, Emma Adeline McMahon, Toby Kegan Miller, Kali Ann Moon, Joshua Daniel Moore, Jaeden Pierce Parker, Maci Rain Ramey, Kylie Lynn Ralzloff, Carter Zaiden Seth, Jada Nicole Seyler-Harting, Grady Cole Smith, Jesse Andrew Stevicks, KaLisa Dawn Stone, and Xandria Grace VanWinkle.
Processional and recessional were presented by the Lyndon Middle and High School Band, directed by Michael Kaufman. Junior escorts were Kate Baker, Taye Kitselman, Abigayle Vignery, and Ryan Bones. The 2022 class sponsors are Lori Catron and Wendy Feltner.
Brad Marcotte is the USD 421 superintendent; USD 421 Board of Education members include Eric Ratzloff, Lori Sturdy, David Brecheisen, Bryant Derley, Chris Cole, Melissa Herdman, and Joe Isch.
