Highland County Public Schools

MONTEREY — Friendship and memories were the theme at Highland High School’s graduation Saturday, June 14, where 15 students received diplomas from Highland County Public Schools.

Senior Mary Anne Rogers welcomed the crowd to the high school gym, thanking everyone for supporting the students throughout their school years.

“We truly appreciate every one of you,” she said.

She noted the small class had made some incredible memories as students. “Although many have come and gone throughout these years, we have formed lasting friendships,” Rogers said.

Salutatorian Hannah Meyerhoeffer also acknowledged fellow students and those gathered to see them graduate.

“Friendship and community are remarkable gifts, ones we often take for granted,” she said. She noted she personally felt love from Highland, as a whole, during the past year, which had some challenges for her family. “The support of the community has shown through for all of us,” she said.

She urged her classmates to keep in touch and continue to support and encourage each other as they moved into the next phase of their lives. “Life will take us in different directions,” Meyerhoeffer said. “The connections we formed here will serve as an anchor.”

Valedictorian John Wagner began his speech by thanking God. “Without him, I would not be standing here to speak to you,” he said.

Wagner said the class had managed a lot of obstacles and challenges over the years. “We have succeeded with flying colors,” he said. Still, he noted everyone probably had some regrets. He also said they felt pressure to answer the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“Many of us began to see our worth in our accomplishments,” he said, but looking back, the best memories came from time on the field with fellow athletes in sports, making new friends, and taking field trips, he said. “These are the moments I will cherish for a lifetime … Remember, it’s about the journey, not the accolades and achievements.”

He said regret could teach them lessons as they learned from the past, but urged them to look to the future. “It is only when we take a step back and look that you can see how far you’ve truly come,” Wagner said. He said not to rush through the daily moments by being so focused on the end goals.

“The only thing I ask of you is, when the opportunity presents itself, seize it,” Wagner said.

Senior Tristan Carpenter introduced the keynote speaker, Michael Warf.

Warf has been teaching middle school math and high school science for 29 years and also serves as athletic director.

“He has been an inspiration to many who have walked through these halls,” Carpenter said.

Warf addressed each graduating senior with memories and observations. He spoke highly of William Erbaugh’s helpful attitude and willingness to work. “He’s helped me keep all the middle schoolers in line in the cafeteria,” Warf said.

Warf said Jisoo Han was an excellent student. “Jisoo just lights up every room she walks into,” he said.

Warf praised Terrence Hill for his accomplishments. “I know you worked hard to overcome many obstacles to be here today,” Warf told him.

He praised Matthew Nestor as a polite gentleman and dedicated FFA member.

Warf also praised Hunter Baldwin’s work ethic. “Hunter is an extremely hard worker and a gentleman,” Warf said.

Warf said he truly enjoyed having Carpenter as a student. “Tristan is extremely quick-witted. He always has a smile on his face,” he said.

Warf said Noah Grant had had many career ideas over the years and would be going places. “Noah is the entrepreneur of the group,” he said. “He’ll probably be an Elon Musk.”

Warf said he felt a kinship with Evan Kimble as they both were always losing things, but he also admired his athletic ability. “Evan is the ultimate sportsman,” Warf said.

He praised Mackensie Lambert for her talents, saying she has “a wonderful artistic side. I know you’re going to go on to do great things in the future.”

Warf said Meyerhoeffer’s recent praise for his teaching skills when she was interviewed by The Recorder made him want to teach for another 20 years. Warf noted the senior class was two-thirds male and he was surprised the boys didn’t make prom and other events all tractor-themed. However, he knew Meyerhoeffer’s leadership and planning skills saved the day, he said.

Warf fondly recalled Eli Moore’s skills in sports. “Eli is one of the best natural athletes I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said.

Warf said Orion Robertson never let others persuade him. “Orion does Orion,” Warf said.

“Orion is a quiet genius, he really is.”

Warf lauded Rogers for her dedication to FFA and her empathy. He said Rogers understood the challenges the many boys in her class presented. “She’d be the last one to leave the classroom, and she’d say, ‘I’m sorry, Mr. Warf, are you OK?’” He noted her kindness and called her a “quiet soul.”

Warf recalled how much Wagner has changed over the years and yet how much he remained the same. “In middle school, I saw John as a Boy Scout,” Warf said. “I see he’s turned more into Captain America.”

Warf said his speech notes didn’t include anything about Zackariah Wright because he would always remember him. “I’ll never forget you,” Warf told him. “Of all the students I’ve had in 29 years, I cannot recall the first time I met one or the conversation we had, except for Zack.”

Warf recalled the standard speech he gave students on the first day of middle school, outlining the minimal 10 to 15 minutes of homework he would assign. “Zack said, ‘I don’t do homework,’” Warf recalled.

Warf then spoke about the parents of graduates. “I know today is emotional,” he said. “Whatever path your graduate takes, I know you and your graduate know you will always be there to support them.”

He quoted from scientists and mathematicians he called giants and said for the graduates, many in the Highland community served as giants to help and inspire them.

“Stay motivated by your vision of what you want to achieve,” he told them. “Your future is what you make it, so please make it a good one.”

High school principal Tim Good closed out the speeches, exhorting students to maintain grit.

“Grit is grinding it out for what matters, what you are called to do,” he said. He offered four pieces of advice: Do what you love; be deliberate in your practices; find purpose; and have hope.

“Our world needs more hope,” Good advised. “You will need the resolve with a hopeful attitude that will make things better today.”