Despite tight budget talk, grads grateful for support
BRAINERD HIGH COMMENCEMENT
Under clear skies nearly as blue as their caps and gowns, students in Brainerd High School's Class of 2009 received their diplomas on Adamson Field Thursday night before thousands of cheering family members and friends.
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The 122nd annual commencement ceremony went smoothly and with temperatures in the mid-70s, many of the graduates wore shorts underneath their gowns. Of those who qualified to graduate, 502 graduates participated in Thursday's ceremony.
This year students auditioned to become one of three senior speakers at graduation. Those who were chosen to speak were Brian Sexton, Becca Lange and Jared Anderson.
Brainerd High students tossed their caps into the air after the Class of 2009 graduated Thursday at Don Adamson field. For more photos of the commencment ceremony, visit Spotted at brainerddispatch.com
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey » Purchase reprints of this photo.
Each senior speaker made reference to the 2007 failed referendum, the school district's budget cuts and the threat of the loss of activities and athletics their senior year. They also spoke of their gratitude toward the community, their teachers, administrators and parents for their support.
"Often we hear about how poorly run our school is, and how the budget cuts were 'deserved,'" said Sexton. "Speaking for our class I can say both of those are way incorrect. I could not have asked for better teachers, administrators, leaders and role models."
"Entering our senior year, all we kept hearing was bad budget news. We heard that electives would be cut, classes would be larger and sports and activities would be lost," said Anderson. "But, thanks to tons of help from the community, parents, teachers, along with the positive and proactive attitudes of our classmates, we made sure that our senior year would be everything we wanted it to be, no matter what bad luck we might run into. ... We gratefully thank the Brainerd community, especially groups like the Warrior Way, Music Matters and the Brainerd Sports Boosters, for sacrificing their time, energy and money for our benefit."
Erik Abrahamson, because to reverse alphabetical order, was the very last person through the line to receive his diploma. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey » Purchase reprints of this photo.
"This class has experienced a lot: new school buildings, new administrators, a failed referendum, and many other hardships. But it is these hardships and challenges that have taught us how to persevere and not give up. At this time last year there were many uncertain faces as we looked forward to a senior year full of changes. But because of our willingness to work together and make the most of what could have been a dreary situation, we've made our senior year memorable."
BHS Principal Andrea Rusk became emotional as she spoke of what great students belonged to the Class of 2009. She also shared some of her favorite experiences with them and the things that they have taught her this year.
"You are an amazing group of young people," said Rusk. "I'm very proud of you."
The Brainerd High School Class of 2009 walked onto the field Thursday night to the cheers of friends and relatives. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls » Purchase reprints of this photo.
Rusk presented an honorary diploma to Trina Hastings, the mother of Matthew Holmin, a member of the Class of 2009 who died May 18, 2008.
Performances included "West River Jubilee" by the symphonic band and "O Day Full of Grace," by the A Cappella Choir.
Grad Blast was planned for Thursday night at BHS.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.