February 4, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

‘I will always have memories that I won’t forget’ by Kenly Taylor

Hello! I’d like to take a few minutes to welcome each and every one of you to the St. Joseph-Ogden class of 2020 commencement ceremony.

Whether you are joining us virtually or physically, we are thankful to have you here. I know this isn’t how any of us pictured our graduation going.

Personally, I have sat through six consecutive graduations watching four of my cousins and two of my siblings walk across this stage. And now it’s my turn. Although this situation may not be ideal, I honestly probably would not have been able to stand up here and talk in front of hundreds of people.

I’m freaking out enough as it is talking in front of 10 people.

I wish our class could’ve had the opportunity to finish our final year at SJO together. But, where we may see missed opportunities for many amazing memories, others may see many benefits to having so much free time or the longest spring break in the history of spring breaks.

No matter what, I will always have memories that I won’t forget such as creating a bond between me and my volleyball teammates, being a part of the first unofficial hacky sack team at SJO, competing with my class at spartalympics, cheering in the maroon platoon, and so much more. This may be the end of a chapter, but it’s not the end of our book. We have so much to be thankful for despite our current and unfortunate situation. Just remember that God is in control.

Thank you again, friends, family, teachers, administrators, and community for your endless support and for joining us in the celebration of this milestone. We appreciate each one of you. Congratulations class of 2020!!!

You can watch the graduation ceremony here.

in Life
Banner
Related Posts

Krall joins Longview Bank

April 22, 2021

April 22, 2021

Brad Krall is coming home. Krall is now the Loan Officer and Mortgage Lender at Longview Bank in St. Joseph....

‘He was the kind of person everyone was happy to see’

July 19, 2025

July 19, 2025

Sam Shonkwiler was full of life. He would walk in a room and people would call his name. He had...

10 things you don’t know about me… Tracie Trotter

October 25, 2024

October 25, 2024

We asked the owner of Wyldewood Cellars to tell us 10 things about herself. Here are her responses. 1. What...

Get to know SJO Senior Marching Band member Mallory Wagner

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

The competitions, going and spending the evening with my band family and meeting and befriending other bands is just such...

SJO Alumni Association Banquet to be held June 8

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

If you haven’t already marked your calendar, please save Saturday, June 8, 2019, for the Annual SJO Alumni Association Banquet....

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Jeanelle Murphy

March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020

What are the pros of breastfeeding your newborn? How long would you recommend breastfeeding? Breast milk is the perfect food...

Athletic complex to be dedicated tonight

April 16, 2021

April 16, 2021

 The St. Joseph-Ogden School District will honor Glenn Fisher tonight.The district voted in June 2020 to name the athletic complex...

Treatment for the common cold

December 23, 2021

December 23, 2021

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO The common cold is caused by a virus. There are over 200 common cold viruses but...

10 things you don’t know about me… Yasmin Rietmann

March 27, 2019

March 27, 2019

Yasmin Rietmann helps customers at St. Joseph Automotive in addition to raising her three kids and much more. This post...

Daily Exercise Recommendations

April 16, 2021

April 16, 2021

By: Christie Clinic Department of Family Medicine We all know physical activity is good for our overall health, but many...

How I Get it Done… Matt Crider

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

This week we spoke to Matt Crider of Trinity Web Design and Consulting, LLC to ask him how he gets...

‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people. His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I...

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Jeanelle Murphy

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

Every month we will pose a question to Dr. Jeanelle Murphy of Christie Clinic in St. Joseph. This month we...

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Jeanelle Murphy

April 6, 2020

April 6, 2020

How much screen time should my child have? What are the pros and cons for letting a toddler or grade...

Comments
Leave a Reply