Photo by Shell Hoffman A graduating senior stands during her graduation ceremony

POSEN – On Friday night, the 85th graduating class of the Posen High School, Michigan held its annual commencement.

As “Pomp and Circumstance” boomed through the speakers, Posen’s twenty high school seniors proudly paraded to the podium, each with a wave or a smile to the crowd of applauding and cheering friends and family.

The wind whipped mercilessly as the graduates struggled to keep their mortarboards in place and guest speakers duct taped their speeches to the podium to assure they didn’t fly away. But nothing could dampen the pride and excitement of the crowd and the graduates.

Posen Superintendent, Michelle Wesner began the ceremonies with encouraging life advice for the students,

“Not one of us succeeds alone, behind every graduate is a network of people who believe in you guys,” said Wesner. “Success is not measured by titles, by money or by awards. It is measured by your character.”

The Board of Education President, Brian Konieczny, and teacher Mrs. Stephanie Goebel, also delivered inspiring messages to the graduates.

Posen’s class GPA leaders were valedictorian, Dylan Burgess with 4.0 and salutatorian Alissa Smigelski with 3.97.

Burgess viewed his time at Posen schools as a very unique experience.

“We’ve all known each other very well since elementary. It’s been a lot of fun but I’m happy to get on with my life.” Replied Burgess.

When asked about the struggles of high school Smigelski said, balancing dual enrollment at the college and playing softball and volleyball were the toughest parts. She will begin her studies in physical therapy at Grand Valley University in the fall.

Smigelski graciously accepted the honor of presenting the student address to the graduates and guests.

The uplifting speech brought smiles from the audience as Smigelski reminisced about her school years at Posen and the support and encouragement she received from the teachers and staff and the advantages of being from a small town.

“In a small school, it is hard to go unnoticed but that also means it is hard to go unsupported. Along the way our teachers taught us so much more than just how to prepare for a test and assignments. They taught us how to believe in ourselves.” said Smigelski. “We may come from a

small town, but we are not limited by its size.”