March 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

‘I love feeling a part of the community’

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

Almost a year ago exactly, The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the naming and grand opening of...

‘I am proud of all of us’ by Kristen Costa

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

To the St. Joseph-Ogden High School Class of 2020, when I began writing this speech, I didn’t even know where...

10 things you don’t know about me…Leonard Winchester

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

1. What is your favorite childhood memory? I don’t have one favorite childhood memory, there were so many experiences. I...

Kids Say… St. Joseph Second Grade

March 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

‘It has been an honor to care for you and your families’

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Patients of Dr. Jeanelle Murphy got some not so jolly news at the beginning of December. Their doctor is leaving...

A familiar face joins Longview Bank

November 22, 2021

November 22, 2021

Sara Bryan has always had a passion for helping people. That passion was instilled in her by her father who...

Kids Say…

July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019

Every week we ask five area kids a question about farming. This week it is second graders from PVO South....

10 Things you don’t know about me… Terri Rein

November 6, 2019

November 6, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to give us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week we spoke to...

Village hires administrator

June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021

The Village of St. Joseph has its administrator.During its June 22 meeting the village board voted to hire Joseph Hackney....

Why is it important to keep your blood pressure under control?

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

By: Christie Clinic Department of Family Medicine What are some signs of high blood pressure and why is it important to...

‘There is no one more deserving of this honor’

June 26, 2020

June 26, 2020

Glenn Fisher loves St. Joseph-Ogden High School. For decades, Fisher’s main concern was that the facilities and sports fields at...

Senior Spotlight with Jordan Stiverson

October 2, 2019

October 2, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Jordan Stiverson. 1. What is the...

The Importance of Sunscreen

July 8, 2021

July 8, 2021

By: Will Miller, PA-C, Christie Clinic Department of Dermatology Summer has come and everyone is out and enjoying the sun....

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...

Senior spotlight Eric Poe

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Eric Poe. Thank you to...

Comments
Leave a Reply