Mike Wolanin | The Republic Columbus North Class of 2022 graduates check out their diplomas during their commencement ceremony at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, May 28, 2022.
COLUMBUS North’s 150th commencement ceremony featured many insightful remarks from speakers, but it was Class President Ella Furber who offered perhaps the most immediate advice to her peers.
“The last requirement to graduate is to walk across this stage and get your diploma,” she said. “So wise words from me: Don’t trip.”
Columbus North held its graduation in the school’s Memorial Gym Saturday morning, with families packed in to celebrate the Class of 2022 — which is made up of 483 graduates, according to a recent count from school officials.
Principal David Clark commended the class on what they were able to achieve — and what they will continue to achieve — even amid tumultuous times.
“As a class, you were able to distance yourself from the things that matter least,” he said, “You were able to focus on those things that mattered most, while all around you swirled a world in commotion.”
Each graduating class, said the principal, has “given something of themselves and taken something from that education and has built upon that.” To him, the class of 2022’s legacy is their focus and resilience.
However, those aren’t the only gifts graduates have to offer. Salutatorian Wil Littrell reminded his peers that they also owe many thanks to those who have helped them, including their families and the staff of Columbus North. He encouraged graduates to thank others personally and live lives of gratitude and kindness.
“As former President JFK stated, ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest form of appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them,’” said Littrell. “In other words, be the person who others are grateful for. No matter what path you go down, always be the person who positively influences those around you.”
For Valedictorian Matthew Liu, one of these mentors is his tennis coach, who told him about the “Nadal factor” — so named for Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is known for his determination. The factor is simple: Never give up.
“Some challenges are manageable, while others are more emotionally tough. But the most important thing is that we overcame them,” said Liu. “The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our high school lives, but we never gave up the fight to achieve the normal we once knew. As a result, we are here in person at Memorial Gym on one of the most memorable days of our lives.”
Columbus North, he said, has seen “150 years of never giving up.”
Superintendent Jim Roberts likewise commended the class of 2022 for their perseverance amid challenges. He also encouraged them to keep going, achieve new goals and make the most of each moment.
“‘Too many times we stand aside and let the waters slip away, ‘til what we put off ‘til tomorrow has now become today’,” said Roberts, quoting from “The River” by Garth Brooks. “Today was a tomorrow not too long ago.”
Or, as Littrell put it, “In the infamous words of Ferris Bueller, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’”
