Seniors Graduate Virtually

Kimball High School virtual graduation was complete with Pomp and Circumstance, the Star Spangled Banner and speeches by the valedictorian and salutatorian. Students achieving academic recognition were acknowledged and then 13 seniors were spotlighted for special recognition as they all entered kindergarten together and finally graduated together.

Speakers included salutatorian Alexander Flores with a thank you that would make every teacher proud. He said thank you for "providing me with an education that was never taken for granted."

Alexander also thanked his parents because they "came to this country with nothing but gave their children everything."

Speaking next was Carli Wurdeman, valedictorian. She said, "This was supposed to be our day, well this is our day." She proceeded to reminisce about the elementary years and thank the staff, teachers and her classmates.

Carli's thank you's extended to her best friends, saying, "You guys are my people, and if I had to restart I would choose you every single time."

Ironically, the Class Motto was "You may not end up where you thought you were going, but you will always end up where you were meant to be." In addition, the Class Flower was the Amaryllis, Class Colors were navy blue and coral and the Class Song was something we all can relate to in this COVID-19 season, "Good Riddance" by Green Day.

And finally the virtual graduation concluded with a variety of pictures of the graduating seniors at different times in their lives.

After the virtual ceremony, seniors returned their Chromebooks and additional textbooks at the high school in exchange for their that long awaited signed diploma.

The Class of 2020 holds a special place in Principal Mo Hanks heart.

"I know the seniors and their families do not feel like they had a proper ending or even closure to this chapter of their lives, but they will be one of the most remembered graduating classes of all time and will have a kinship with all other members of the class of 2020 around the world," Hanks said. "The Kimball Class of 2020 will hold a special place in my heart for many reasons including the fact that they were all in kindergarten when I came to Kimball as the secondary principal in the 2007-08 school year."

He continued, "I also had the opportunity to coach several of these students during youth basketball when they were in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and then again during their senior year. My son, Beau, was also a member of this graduating class and I am not only proud of him, but I am proud of all the graduating seniors and wish them nothing but the best and much success in their journey through life."

In brief individual ceremonies throughout Saturday afternoon, the diplomas were handed out by Mo Hanks. Accompanied by their immediate families, the seniors accepted their diplomas and had photos taken.