Class Of 2018 Celebrates A Milestone In Life

Jumnan San celebrates after leaving the gymnasium as a graduate of Oskaloosa High School.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa High School Class of 2018 came together for the last time on Sunday afternoon.

Outgoing Superintendent Russ Reiter addressed the graduates of 2018.

Reiter made reference to past graduation ceremonies when temperatures would rise to uncomfortable levels. This year, air conditioning of the gym was made possible due to renovation work being done to the structure.

Reiter spoke to the graduates, highlighting some of the special memories they have shared. Those include remarkable achievements in music, including marching band, choir, jazz, and orchestra.

Accomplishments in athletics are nearly unrivaled. The sports included are: baseball, softball, football, basketball, golf, and track and field.

“I could go on and on about the numerous kids, about who have taken AP classes, college concurrent education classes, and you have the best student council in the entire state,” said Reiter. “The list goes on and on.”

“Parents, you should be extremely proud of those accomplishments,” said Reiter. “Ultimately, most hope is that you walk away with some great lasting memories, friendships.”

“I’m not too worried about you and your next step on your academics, because I know this school, this high school especially, as well as middle school and elementary, have provided a solid framework for you to be successful whenever you step out those doors,” said Reiter. “I have no doubt about that.”

Reiter added, “And yet I do have a concern. But my concerns are not necessarily based on your failures. Because maybe there have been one or two. But maybe the failures of my generation and what you’re learning from us.”

“There are values in life that will determine your successes in your future far beyond anything that is learned in that classroom. “I’m talking about other important characteristics,” said Reiter.

“Integrity. Ethics. Honesty. One’s character. And after this past weekend, the value of human life,” Reiter said. “We’re living in a world today of political divisiveness. We’re so far left, we’re so far right; no one seems to be able to agree or come to a compromise. We have a culture of blame, manipulation, power, money, greed, and you can’t watch for it on TV and find the truth. I can assure you, you’re not going to find it on Facebook.”

“For the past 25 years, I’ve had a little sign on my desk,” said Reiter. “Three simple rules to live by: Do what’s right; Do the best you can; Treat others as you want to be treated.”

Reiter quoted a poem called “The Builder” and challenged the seniors as to what type of person they would be. Are they going to be the kind of person that constantly tears down others or one to build up others.

“As you step out into this unknown world, remember this,” said Reither. “You’ll be judged more on your moral compass and how you treat others than necessarily that GPA that you earned in that classroom. Not that the GPA might not be important to some, but, I will tell you, people will know more about you by the things you do, by the way you act.”

“So please remember, every day is another learning opportunity, and your education will never end. Never end,” said Reiter. “So graduates of 2018, I can tell you this. You will fail, and that’s OK, get back up and try it again, and again, and again. It will take hard work, commitment, and a passion to be successful. Find your passion. Find your why. Make a positive difference for all those that you meet and all that you do.”

“Congratulations and thanks for some great memories,” said Reiter who choked up at the end. “We’re very proud of you.”

Josephine Bunnell and Alexander Nagorny gave the commencement addresses, and the OHS Choir sang “I’ll Stand By You”.

Diplomas were presented by Oskaloosa School Board President Shelly Herr, Reiter and others.

Students then exited the large gymnasium and moved to the small gymnasium, where they collected their diploma certificates.

There were hugs and handshakes with classmates before heading out the door to the arms of their families and a future yet unknown.

Graduating Class of 2018