News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alcona High School graduate Dresden Parkinson addresses his classmates during graduation Sunday. There were 56 seniors who received their diplomas. Four students were also saluted for choosing to enter the service after high school.

ALCONA — Each one of the 56 graduates from Alcona High School were honored for their accomplishments at the school Sunday. There were four who were given a special tip of the graduation cap for what they intend to do after graduation.

Before diplomas were issued, Superintendent Dan O’Connor asked four students, Cory Hoffman, Joe Hutchinson, Dakota Oke and Lucas Wise, who are going into the military, to come forward to the front of the stage. They were met by faculty who have also served. The new twist to the ceremony was well received, as all involved received a standing ovation.

O’Connor said in his address earlier that the class of 2017 are full of fighters and winners. He said they know when its time to push hard when the chips are down and know how to win. O’Connor said he wants that mindset to be utilized as they move onto college, workforce and armed services.

“There is a time to play and a time to win,” he said. “It is what you do at winning time that drives your reputation and success. It is my hope that as you move forward in life, that you will sense when it is time to step-up and it is winning time.”

Class president and valedictorian Zachery Faszczewski revisited some of the memories the class had growing up together. He said there were ups and downs, but each memory and experience provided enlightenment.

“These mistakes show we’re only human and have helped us grow to who we are today,” Faszczewski said. “Without these obstacles we wouldn’t be as strong as we are today.”

Valedictorian Rachel Warner thanked those involved in her education for their dedication. She also thanked her family, friends, teachers and coaches for helping everyone in the class to grow. She also included names of classmates and family who paid her $1 to do so. That fun business decision earned a chuckle from the crowd.

“We went from being a bunch of energetic little kids and now it seems in a blink of an eye I am about to receive my diploma with those same kids. We have accomplished so much during good and bad times. I’m going to miss this wonderful school, but I also know it is time to move on and follow our own dreams.”

O’Connor said it is important to be proud of successes, but there will also be times when failure will take place too.

“You may not win every time, but if you have that winning instinct, which you have shown so far, you can and will be successful in life and have a positive impact on the future,” he said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.