Hartington-Newcastle grads told to keep “standing out”

HARTINGTON — Willa Scoville had a message for her classmates Saturday.

“Why fit in when you are meant to stand out,” she said, quoting from children’s author Dr. Seuss. 

Scoville’s comments summed up the character of the Hartington-Newcastle Public School graduating Class of 2019. 

“Each and every classmate of mine has something unique to offer,” she said.

The HNS Class of 2019 was a part of several accomplishments, including state championships in speech, one-act play and track. 

Members of the class were also friendly, helpful and caring, she said.

“Hartington-Newcastle Public School has given me my best friends, best memories and the best start to begin the next chapter of my life,” she said.

Scoville, who finished her high school career with a perfect 4.0 grade point average and as class Valedictorian, was just one of four people to address the 22 members of the Class of 2019 during graduation ceremonies at Hartington-Newcastle High School.

High School Principal Corey Uldrich, Supt. A.J. Johnson and graduating senior Liby Lange also took a few minutes to address the audience from the podium.

Uldrich shared a couple of quotes from famous people with the graduates.

He started with a quote from Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs, who said “you’re time is limited. Don’t waste it by living someone else’s life.”

Uldrich summed up Jobs’  comment by saying, “be yourself, find the path that fits you best and make the most of it. The world is better for having people of different talents, interests and abilities. Make the most of the ones you were given and change the world.”

Graduation is just the beginning of a new journey Lange told her classmates.

“A high school diploma opens a whole new world of opportunity for us,” she said.

Lange encouraged her classmates to take full advantage of those opportunities as they arise. 

Now that the new graduates will begin leaving home and the comfortable confines of high school to enter the real world, Uldrich wanted to make sure and share one more piece of advice, so he closed with a quote from fashion designer and entrepreneur Melanie White.

”Now that you’ve graduated, just remember that bosses don’t usually accept notes from your mother.” 

Uldrich then finished on a serious note by telling the graduates that even though they are now leaving high school, he wants students to know they will always have a home here.

”I hope you know that this building will always be a place that will welcome you back,” he said.

HNS Supt. A.J. Johnson shared that message.

“Remember,” he said. “You always have a home here at Hartington-Newcastle.”

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