March 31, 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

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...

10 things you don’t know about me… Brad Krall

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week it is Brad Krall,...

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...

10 things you don’t know about me… The Gary Olson Family

September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022

The GARY OLSON FAMILY is being inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame tonight. Gary and Nancy Olson and their...

Kids say…

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

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

Kids say… St. Joseph Second Grade

March 14, 2019

March 14, 2019

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

‘Scouting has been such a wonderful experience for me’

January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023

Sara Steffens’ Gold Award project is personal. The Ogden Girl Scout was inspired by her sister. “I learned that the...

10 things you don’t know about me … Matt Walsh

September 30, 2022

September 30, 2022

Matt Walsh with Engaging Entertainment is will be DJing at the Wagner Signs and Graphics Anniversary Celebration. We asked Matt...

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...

For Poulter, entertaining people is a calling

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

Jonny Poulter just wants to entertain people. The 2022 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate was inspired to play music after...

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...

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...

Senior Spotlight… Joey Acton

July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we talked to Joey Acton. This post is sponsored...

‘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...

Comments
Leave a Reply