April 23, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Graduation speakers thank parents, teachers and look to the future

The theme of Hannah Lewis’ welcome address at St. Joseph-Ogden’s graduation on Sunday could be summed up as thank you.


Lewis thanked the teachers and administrators for preparing the students for the next step in there lives, helping them understand and being patient with them.


“Thank you for your support and commitment,” she said. “You truly inspired us to “be excellent.””


Lewis also thanked the parents of the graduates.


“We love you and appreciate all that you have done to shape us into who we are today,” she said.


She also thanked her fellow classmates.


“Thank you for an unforgettable four years,” she said. “It has been an honor getting to spend every day alongside all of you.”


Rylee Sjuts’ commencement address focused on memories.


These included the homecoming assembly that resembled a scene from “High School Musical”, Spanish class, track team shenanigans and attending athletic events.


Sjuts also focused on the changes the graduates will face.


“Some of us are going to college, some of us to the military, some of us into the workforce and some of us don’t really know yet,” she said. “Whatever it is that lies ahead for you personally, I’m sure you know there will be change.”


Sjuts told those gathered to honor the graduates that she used to fear change but high school has taught her change is inevitable.


“There is always good that comes out of change,” she said. “Life may not always be bright and peachy, there may be hard changes, but your mindset and the way you approach these changes is what determines your quality of life.”


Justyn Frisby read a poem to his co-graduates. The poem said “No matter what road you choose, no matter how long it may seem, let your heart guide you along the way.”


And finally, Kalli Ingram closed out the ceremony by reminding those in attendance that they played a pivotal role in the graduate’s successes.


“You are the ones who have helped make us into who we are today and for that we also thank you,” she said.

in Life
Banner
Related Posts

‘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...

‘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...

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...

Going the Distance: Smetzer excels at Western

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Ross Smetzer has goals. The 2016 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate runs cross country and track for Western Illinois University...

U of I names December 2020 graduates

May 14, 2021

May 14, 2021

The University of Illinois has released their list of 2020 December graduates.These area students graduated in December. ST. JOSEPHLauren GhernaKohlten...

Hometown appeal: The Wheelhouse earns Business of the Year honors

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

When the Wheelhouse opened in 2017, it was unlike anything in St. Joseph. And still is. The farm-to-table restaurant owned...

Proposal would expand Sports Complex

February 14, 2019

February 14, 2019

Jim Page has a vision for the Sports Complex. The St. Joseph resident feels Woodard Family Park is under utilized...

Work continuing on Rail Trail

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Ogden, IL – The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is poised to construct 1.5 miles of the Kickapoo Rail Trail...

‘Wanting to serve this community has been my passion’

December 7, 2020

December 7, 2020

Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges cares about St. Joseph. It is why she is running for reelection tonight at the Republican Caucus....

Local meteorologist’s love of weather started as a child

February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019

While the Internet may have people believing anyone with a computer can predict the weather, the former Director of the...

Homeward Bound: Piper’s incredible adventure comes to an end

September 23, 2020

September 23, 2020

Piper, the most famous Labrador in St. Joseph, is finally back home. The dog spent seven days exploring St. Joseph...

What are some good ways to deal with stress?

November 10, 2021

November 10, 2021

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO Stress is part of life and the human body has a built in system to deal...

Get to know senior SJO Marching Band member Jo Schmitz

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite thing about marching band is the community. I made my best friends through the program. My favorite memory...

St. Joseph Community Garage Sales Spring 2025

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

5 505 N 4th St.Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 8am-2pmClothing, toddler to adult (all sizes) household items, toys, craft items, lots of...

Ceremony to honor Edwards scheduled for Thursday

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

A Gift of Hope Flag raising ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St, Joseph-Ogden...

Comments
Leave a Reply