Chests of friends and families swelled with pride as they watched their red-robed smiling graduates take their seats.
Graduate Adrian Mutsaers introduced guest speaker teacher Mike Milosevich, known to most students as Milo, who has been a teacher at LRHS for the past 27 years. Mutsaers touched on everything from Milosevich's educational background, to his love for soccer, to how much students loved having him as a teacher during their high school career.
"Milo's kindness, patience, and general interest in the students at this school has made him the obvious choice for our guest speaker," said Mutsaers.
"It is important to point out that I'm not an expert like you see on Oprah or Dr. Phil, but my years of life experience have taught me a few things," he said. "Some of these I'd like to share with you tonight."
Beginning with a rhyme, filled with encouraging words and the occasional joke, and ending with best wishes to his grads.
"Every trip needs a word of encouragement, so here's mine," he said.
You take care my dear friends, for you the LRHS journey ends.
Though you may be sad, be also glad.
You leave here tonight, with new goals in sight.
I wish you all the best, and a good summers rest.
Thank you for everything we shared, remember your teachers who cared.
I feel lucky like my luck number seven, to know you, the class of 2011.
For all your achievements I am proud, may the sunshine chase your every cloud.
You have graduated, and there's no ifs, buts, or maybes,
So congratulations, and hasta la vista baby.
Valedictorian Ryan McAllen also had his own words of encouragement for his fellow graduating class.
“It’s difficult to put into words the range of emotions and thoughts that come with graduation. Between disbelief and excitement, there’s barely enough time to realize what’s going on,” he said. “It’s a big step, but I know that this class of 2011 is ready for any challenges that might come our way.”
McAllen thanked the staff on behalf of the grads for their guidance, knowledge, and help over the past three years. He brought his fellow classmates down memory lane.
“Some of us have been together our entire lives. Together we’ve grown up, faced challenges, and celebrated successes,” he said. “Cliché I know, but isn’t it amazing how time flies when you’re having fun? These memories will last you a lifetime, no matter where life takes you.”
Following the applause of McAllen’s speech, grads were presented with their graduation certificates and various awards.
Scholarships were also handed out, ranging from $100 up to $41,000. A total of over $300,000 was given to graduates going on to post secondary education.
