January 1, 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

10 things you don’t know about me… Steve Peters

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Steve is a member of the St. Joseph Zoning Board and a Paramedic / Firefighter with the St. Joseph- Stanton...

‘No one believed in our kids and our teams more than he did’

April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

Dan Wright loved life.  He loved his family. He loved his community.  Wright passed away on March 19 in Florida. ...

Bright Beginnings to hold open house

September 18, 2021

September 18, 2021

A long-time dream is finally coming to fruition. Bright Beginnings Learning Center located at 501 Peters Drive in St. Joseph,...

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...

Ask the doctor: Which internet resources can I trust for medical information?

March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO In this age of technology it is important to know what websites will give you accurate...

PTC to be honored for community work

April 19, 2019

April 19, 2019

The St. Joseph Parent Teacher Club has one goal—bridging the gap between teachers and parents. The St. Joseph PTC meets...

Get to know to know SJO Senior Marching Band member Maya Hewkin

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite thing about marching band is the connection between the students. Being in band is like being a part...

10 things you don’t know about me…the SJO girls basketball team

February 22, 2019

February 22, 2019

After this weekend, Maclayne Taylor will have 12 state medals and has been apart of five team state trophies.  ...

‘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… Sue Esposito

March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to share 10 things about themselves. This week it is Ogden Trustee Sue...

10 things about me….. Dana Rowland

April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

You may know Dana Rowland as the co-chair of the SJO Post Prom Cash Bash but now you can get...

Live Blog for April 27, 2021

April 27, 2021

April 27, 2021

I am here at St. Joseph Village Board.No one else is here besides IT Guru Mike Sennert.May 5 is bike...

Sewing it all together: Hartman taking part in Project Run and Play

March 31, 2022

March 31, 2022

Growing up, St. Joseph resident Emily Hartman used to watch her mother and grandmother sew.They would create one-of-a-kind, custom-made clothes...

Employees help co-worker during time of need

February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

The staff at the St. Joseph Subway wanted to help April Patton. Manager Adam Porter said his co-worker said she...

Friends hope to help Heritage alumni battle illness

February 15, 2019

February 15, 2019

Heritage alumni Anya Knecht makes food for her friends, family and coworkers. She sends cards and handmade gifts to others....

Comments
Leave a Reply