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STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD ATTENDS
GRADUATION CLASS OF 1999

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Last night Thema and I attended, a standing room only, crowd of family and friends of the Graduation Class of 1999 at the Royall High School. It was the first real hot day and night of 1999, with the temperature in the upper eighties.

But the enthusiasm of the 85 Graduates was not diminished as they marched into the auditorium and took their places on the stage as the Royal HS Concert Band played the
Pomp and Circumstance Processional

Dave Prell, Class President gave a Welcome on behalf of the Graduation class to all those family and friends attending.

Elizabeth Ann Waschek, one of the Graduating Seniors gave the invocation. That was enthusiastically received by the applause from the audience.

Mr. Tim McGown, RHS's Principal then introduced the people that were to present the Scholarship awards for the evening.

The Royall HS Concert Band, under the Direction of Rachel Strong, then presented a delightful piece called the "River of Life" by Steven Rineke. About 21 of the Graduating came down from the stage to participate.

Principle Tim McGowan then introduced the Valedictorians as they came forward to deliver their Commencement Address. I am sorry to say that because the Public Address system was perhaps overcome with the heat or maybe it was the noise of the people fanning themselves with their programs whatever the reason it was hard for many of us to hear what was being said. I hope that the snippets that did come through are accurate. If not please feel free to contact me and we will make the corrections necessary. If any of you would like your speech printed in full put it on e-mail and send it over. It will be posted immediately.

John Boeder, was the first of the four to speak. "This is the beginning of new way of life where the community is no longer is required to support us but where we will be adding our support to the community We leave here to night somewhat teary eyed as we bid farewell to our classmates. "Life is made of ever so many partings." In closing I would like to say that the door of opportunity has been opened and we will walk through with a strong stride."

Lucas Strelow, was next - am sorry Lucas but I heard very little. I did get a bit of the part where you brought in your class Motto: Yesterday is Gone. Tomorrow is yet to Come We have only Today - by Mother Theresa . Lucas, indicated that it did not mean we should forget the lessons and experiences of yesterday or not look for the opportunities of tomorrow but that it was our Today's that really make up our lifetime.

Jennifer Konig, A reminder that for 13 years they have been preparing for this day. Then took a bit from a Dr. Seuss story ( Sorry Jennifer I did not hear too much but there was something about), "Your mountain is waiting - so get on your way"

Jennifer Stremcha, (again only small parts came through.) Like in our journey through life there are certain highlights. Reminisce of our past activities. Our concern with what is happening at present and then our experience and advice to others. Since I am only eighteen I do not feel I am equipped to give advice to my fellow graduates but will leave that up to others. I want to thank a lot of wonderful people for all the things that they have done for me.

The Royall Choir then presented a lovely piece, "I Wish You Well My Friend" by Don Besig and Nancy Price" This time about 18 Graduates came down from the state to participate.

It was then Supt. McGowan time to Congratulated the Graduating Class, their parents, Grandparents and all members of the School Community for supporting the educational system that provided this opportunity . Mr. McGowan went on to say that he had prepared a speech of advice to this graduating class as the last speaker had mentioned but that since it was so hot here in the auditorium he had torn it up. Which was received with laughter and applause.

Diplomas were then present to the Graduates by

Mr. McGowan then introduced Royall's Foreign Exchange Student, Karina Kusz, from Poland. Who spoke of her first introduction to American football game and trying to learn what the game was all about. (Again my apology if facts are not correct) She also wanted to thank her Classmates for their warm friendships, for the wonderful support the school and community has given her and just "Thanks for having me here".

As the Royall HS Concert Band struck their first note of the Recessional the Graduates stepped down from the stage received a silver rose as they walked " in the words of classmate, John Boeder, toward the door of opportunity with a strong stride.

To this nearly eighty year old reporter. It was a reminder of 61 years ago (1938)when I and nineteen others of my classmates went through much the same ceremonies. In this same school district graduating from Kendall High School then located where the Senior Citizens Housing is now located.

Congratulations Seniors and may you have as exciting and fulfilling life as I have had. When I was your age TV was just coming on the scene. In my wildest imaginations did I ever think at that time that I would be posting on a world wide WEB page the story of the Graduating Class of 1999. As one of your classmates Jennifer Konig said, "Your Mountain is Waiting- So Get On Your Way"

THE VERY BEST WISHES TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU

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#4

ELROY-KENDALL-WILTON
CLASS OF 1999

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*Denotes Honor Student

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LAST NIGHTS PROGRAM AT ROYALL HIGH SCHOOL
May 28, 1999 - 7:30pm
Royall High School Gymnasium

CO-VALEDICTORIANS
John Boeder
Jennifer Koenig
Lucas Strelow
Jennifer Stemcha

OTHER SPEAKERS
Kavina Kusz
Exchange Student
From Poland

Mr. Tim McGowan
Principle of Royall

CLASS MOTTO
Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow is yet to come.
We have only today.
by Mother Teresa

CLASS FLOWER
Silver Rose

CLASS COLORS
Dark Blue and Silver

CLASS SONG
"Time of Your Life"
by Green Day

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