POSEN –The graduation ceremony at Posen High School was a celebration of friends, family and accomplishments earned by the 25 graduates during their years at the school.

It was also a rallying call, urging them to work hard, take chances, chase dreams, and make a difference in the world as they move into their new careers and the next phase of their lives.

Being from a small community, most of the graduates have grown up together and been classmates since kindergarten. They have shared each other’s ups and downs and successes and failures. The bond they share is one that superintendent Michelle Wesner says will never be broken, no matter where life takes them.

She also reminded them that the community that helped to raise them will continue to support them moving forward.

“We’ll be following your progress and cheering for you,” she said. “We’ll be worrying about you and thinking about you in the years to come. Always know you have a support system here, anytime. Remember us as your foundation. We’re solid and stable for you. Always remember you are Viking strong, and let your light shine. You guys are amazing.”

After Wesner’s address, salutatorian Hannah Stone spoke to her classmates. She talked about out how each of the graduates have grown roots in Posen and urged them to spread the roots around the globe and share what the small town is about.

“Our roots are unique, because they are stronger than others, and our friendly community is the reason for that,” Stone said. “To my class, I hope you get a chance to grow your roots far and wide.”

Valedictorian Jeremy Styma thanked all of his family and friends, and then gave a heartfelt thanks to all of the teachers who had helped lead the class into adulthood.

“On behalf of the entire Class of 2019, I want to say thank you to every staff member that has put up with us for all of these years,” he said. “Each of you has had a direct impact on all of our lives. More than you’ll ever know. Although all of us put in a lot of work to be here, without you, we wouldn’t be close to where we are.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpeanews.com.