Watertown holds its graduation

By Becky Thielke for the Daily Times
Monday, June 9, 2008 1:49 PM CDT

Venny Todingan shares a hug with classmate Betsy Zimmerman following Saturday's commencement ceremonies at Watertown High School. (JOHN HART/Daily Times)

The Watertown High School class of 2008 entered the gymnasium as a mass of royal blue one final time on Saturday morning to a standing ovation and applause of proud family members and friends ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives.

Dave Pawl, instructor, added great humor to his commencement address by comparing high school to potty training.

“(It's) a culmination of months of struggle. Each day brought you one step closer to today. Each of you sits here today a potty trained individual,” he said. “Graduation is like potty training. Once you leave these doors you'll have to clean up after yourselves. You'll never again need a pass to go to the bathroom again.”

On a more serious note, Pawl emphasized the importance of striving for one's dreams. “You can't let accidents and mistakes keep you from achieving your goals. There's a greater satisfaction to doing things the right way,” he said.

Senior class representative Chelsea Kieler said parents, grandparents and siblings deserved to be thanked for watching them get to this moment. She said as the senior class strides down that infinite row to receive their diplomas and take that final passage into adulthood more would be expected of them.

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“For some of us it'll take time to set in they won't be coming back. Each of you knows what you're capable of. Outshine yourselves. Live well, laugh often, love much,” she said.

Kieler didn't say goodbye but instead said, “Hello class of 2008. We did it.”

Dr. Doug Keiser, superintendent of schools, told seniors graduation is a significant milestone. For them it's the beginning of the future, he said. It's also a sense of optimism knowing what their lives will bring in the future.

He shared a few words of advice and wisdom before they received their diplomas.

“I want each of you to never, ever stop learning. If you do the world will pass by. Learn something new every day. Set goals and do whatever it takes to achieve them. Don't focus on what others have but what you can give others.”

Watertown School Board President Kate Lapin said many seniors are probably wondering what's next in their lives. She asked people in the community, including business leaders, for words of wisdom for the students. The list included: High school isn't the pinnacle moment; you get to keep making decisions; make sure to keep play time; and it's OK if you don't know what you're going to do the rest of your life.

One key piece of advice on that list included having students turn all electronic devices off and listen to themselves for an hour.

“Think what you should do, not what others are telling you to do,” she said. “The best of luck to you in the future wherever that may be,” Lapin said.

Beth Johnson, senior class president, said, “Now is the time for us to take responsibility, to make a difference. Today is ours.”

Courtney Sullivan, student council treasurer, and Wendy Yang, student council representative, presented the class gift, a stainless steel globe, to be placed in the International Peace Garden. The globe has not arrived but will be in place for the start of the 2008-09 school year. It will sit on the right-hand side near the amphitheater.

The class gift is in memory of social studies teacher Steve Jacobson who passed away in April from a long and courageous battle with cancer. He started the Peace Garden in 1994. Yang said Jacobson was the essence of wisdom, selflessness and peace. He was an influential person not only in the classroom but in the community as well, she said.

“We know he would be proud of us,” she said.

High school Principal Scott Bostwick said 10 years ago Jacobson gave the commencement address. Bostwick shared a memorable quote from Jacobson's speech the class of 2008 could take with them.

“A positive mental outlook toward life can get you through some of your most difficult times. Throughout my journeys in life smiles have saved me more than once.” Jacobson was well-known for his bright smile.

About 260 graduates filed out of the gym to begin their new journey in life as the future of this country.