Cameron High School Commencement

It was a beautiful sunny day for Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 22 at Dave Goodwin Field in Cameron. The High School Band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the 2016 Senior Class filed into their seats on the field, smiles playing along many of their faces.

Dr. Matt Robinson, Superintendent, introduced speaker, Cale Griffin, attorney at Griffin, Dietrich & Elliott and Cameron alumn. Griffin’s inspirational speech was filled with advice for the future, including the wisdom he has gained on his own life journey. He told the class life involves, “taking a risk, knowing you might fail and learning from that failure.” He went on to encourage them to ask questions, get involved with people, volunteer and simply interact. He concluded his speech with a last bit of advice, “Live as if you will die tomorrow, learn as if you will live forever.”

Mark Wiegers, High School Principal, stepped up to the podium to introduce the class Salutatorian and Valedictorian.

Salutatorian Nathan Jackson spoke first with a message of hope for his fellow classmates. Jackson spoke of injuries he sustained taking him not only out of school for a time, but also out of long distance running, something he was especially passionate about. He said it was his hope, to join his class and to get back to the running he loved, helping him overcome the difficulties he was facing. “No matter how big or small the battle, use hope to overcome,” Jackson said. Jackson said that he and his fellow classmates have used hope to have strength and courage to overcome challenges in their own lives to graduate that day. Jackson’s final words to his fellow graduates was to not accept the limitations others have place on them but to persevere and overcome.

Valedictorian Andrew Pratt opened his speech to the class with a gem from a recent movie blockbuster, “May the odds be ever in your favor,” he said, quoting The Hunger Games. Pratt’s advice to his fellow graduates told them to consider not only their future, but also just the months ahead before moving on to college, vocational training or even jobs. Pratt gave them the advice to, “Enjoy these next few months before life throws all the lemons in it’s basket at you.” His speech ended with, “Congratulations, go out and do amazing things.”

A medley of “Stand By Me”, “Lean On Me” and “Never Gonna Give You Up” was performed by the Senior Choir Members.

Principal Wiegers presented the graduating class and read off their names as Mary Tyrrell, President of the Board of Education handed out diplomas, assisted by Dr. Robinson.

The Senior class at the direction of Principal Wiegers moved their tassels and was introduced one last time to the gathered spectators.

As the recessional played, the graduating class of 2016 tossed their hats in the air to the sound of cheers and applause from both their fellow graduates and the assembled crowd.

Congratulations to all the Cameron High School 2016 Seniors and their families. Good luck on your continued journey.