By Chris Spangler
Spread civility, take the lead and don’t ever leave anyone behind, graduating seniors were advised during Fort Atkinson High School’s 133rd commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon.
The theme of the ceremony, held in the school’s PremierBank Gymnasium, was “Roadtrip: Movin’ On.”
Altogether, 231 seniors crossed the stage to received their diplomas. Gold honor cords were presented to those earning a seventh-semester cumulative gradepoint average of 3.85 to 4.0, while silver cords were given to those whose gradepoint average was 3.5 to 3.85.
Senior Class Co-President Cory Pfeifer welcomed attendees, noting that the Class of 2021 has gone through a lot, particularly during the past year-and-a-half.
“And now, here we are: seniors on the verge of moving on in life,” he said. “It’s wild to me that in a few short months, we’ll all be in different places. Some of us are staying home, some of us are going to college, some of us are going overseas. We knew this moment was coming, but we didn’t realize how soon it would come.”
He said that is fitting that the seniors see their journey together temporarily rest in one place: Fort Atkinson High School.
“Throughout the graduation ceremony today, I hope you all can make some lasting memories with your peers,” Pfeifer said. “Use today to think back on your years at Fort Atkinson High School. Think about the good, and the bad.”
He continued: “I cannot say enough how proud I am to call you all my classmates. Seeing us all grow as individuals and as a group these past few years has been incredible. Every one of you sitting in front of me has the tools to build a lasting legacy in whatever endeavors you may pursue.
“Reflect on today, and then use it to build toward tomorrow,” he added.
Mike Hall
Also addressing the students and guests Sunday was retiring Fort Atkinson High School English teacher Mike Hall. He recognized the family and friends in the audience, leading applause for them.
“If you stop to think for even a few moments, it may seem impossible to ever truly thank them for all they’ve done for you,” Hall said. ‘Not to worry … paying them back isn’t as difficult as it seems. It’s simple, really … move out! Maybe not this afternoon, but eventually, move out, and until then, keep your room clean and occasionally think about cleaning the bathroom, will ya?”
Moving on to a more serious topic, Hall also saluted graduating seniors who are entering the military.
They include Sam Lisius, Air Force; Abigail Punzel, Navy; Dorian Burhans, Marines; and Alexis Jacobsen, Jacob Horvatin, Skye Hayes and Eli Koehler, all National Guard.
“They deserve our respect because they stand on a wall and say, ‘Nothing’s going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch,’” an emotional Hall said. “They don’t do this because someone told then to do it. They do it because it’s important to them.”
Hall said this marks an extra-special graduation for himself, as well as the seniors.
“This year, I’m graduating with you,” he said. “It’s taken me a little longer, but we’re all going together.
“Needless to say, we’ve all endured an unbelievable 15 months,” he continued. “It’s certainly been a year of loss. Some of us have lost family members or friends. Many of us have lost opportunities that were afforded to so many people before us. As much as I find myself thinking of all we’ve lost, I’m beginning to focus on all the things we’ve learned.”
He acknowledged that the seniors soon would be receiving all sorts of advice about their futures.
“My only humble piece of advice is to take all of that with a grain of salt,” Hall said. “What I’ve discovered over the last year or so is that most adults don’t always have the answer.”
His evidence: toilet paper … and how so many adults the past year hoarded it.
“Let’s just say that sometimes adults’ thinking goes into the ditch just like yours does,” Hall said.
He said that instead of pontificating about all he thinks he knows after 35 years of teaching, he was going to point out the things he learned from the seniors and their generation.
“The first lesson you’ve taught the rest of us has everything to do with resilience,” Hall said. “You’ve endured hardships that no other senior class could even imagine. Some of you are potential scholarship athletes, and you’ve been robbed of opportunities to show the world your athletic talents. Some of you have gone from working a part-time job to being the major income of your family. Some of us adults sincerely can’t even fathom that reality.”
The second lesson he learned, Hall said, centers on the idea that mental and emotional well-being means so much more than a standardized test score or state report card.
“It may be years before we truly know the impact of being stuck inside our homes on a laptop, but you’ve made us realize that whether it be in person or virtually, we should always focus on how someone is feeling before worrying about what they know,” Hall said.
He added that as much as educators want to highlight and foster academic growth, the students have taught them that unless they pay attention to mental and emotional stability, grammar, stoichiometry and derivatives don’t mean a thing.
“Your ability to see this and show the rest of the world has much to do with what comes next,” he advised.
Hall said his third lesson is that “you guys may just change the world.”
To put this into context, he explained that for the first half of the 20th century, societies had to survive a similar pandemic, world wars, a Great Depression and Red Scare.
“This created the communal mentality that we’re all in this together … but it also fostered things like bigotry and racism,” he said. “
That dramatically changed in the 1960s and 1970s, and as a result of the civil rights struggle, women’s movement and speaking truth to governmental power, society became the “me generation,” focusing on the individual, Hall explained.
“This sparked individuality, civil liberty rights and creativity,” he said. “Unfortunately, this me-first mentality also has developed a loss of purpose and isolationism.”
He cited the soaring rates pf suicide and opioid addiction as warning signs of this individualistic mindset.
“It only stands to reason, then, that the next societal wave has become tribalism,” the retiring teacher stated. “Groups gathering up the lost souls treading in a sea of uncertainty and creating almost a gang mentality … us against them.”
Hall said that if asked, many people would say they don’t necessarily like their political party, but they definitely hate the opposing party. It does not take long to become swept up in that binary temperament.
“Life is easier to deal with if things are simply good or bad, right or wrong, our way or their way,” Hall said. “As many of us know, life just isn’t that simple.
“But here’s where you guys come in,’ he added. “You may not have a solid grasp of the last 100 years of societal shifts, but over that last year, many, if not all of you, have sharpened your already keen emotional awareness.
“This is hugely important. Some of you don’t even know you have this in you, but many of us see it. This approach has helped you understand the dangerous flaws of hyperindividualism and dubious tribal mentality. Because of your experience of the last year or so, you guys have solidified the ‘don’t leave anyone behind’ mentality.”
Hall said that the seniors’ generation has “turned society on its ear and learned the ultimate importance of looking back to see who has been left behind.
“You know the sting of loneliness and the false allure of mob mentality. Your compassion that has been tempered by a long, arduous struggle forces you to look out for the people around you. You’re not all about ‘as long as I’m OK’ or ‘as long as we’re OK.’ You’ve reminded me and the rest of the toilet paper-hoarding adults that the importance lies not in ‘as long as we’re OK,’ but in the question, ‘who’s still not OK?’”
Hall said that that attitude helps fortify a renewed sense of purpose and a genuine feeling of unity by believing in the words of political and social commentator David Brooks: “I commit to you.”
“Here’s the best part … you’ve done this!” Hall said. “Not some sage in an oversized robe on stage. We’re learning from you. Whatever you do, don’t let this great opportunity wither on the vine now that we’re headed toward the light and now that you’re changing your environment. Please don’t wait for 60- and 70-year-old men to set your generation’s policies.
“The next great movement will be authored and facilitated by you, the young,” he concluded. “How you perceive the world and how well you teach the rest of us will truly transform our world.”
Rob Abbott
In his remarks, District Administrator Rob Abbott first recognized district staff member who have worked tirelessly throughout the seniors’ 13-year education to help them develop he social, emotional, academic and vocational skills they need to succeed in the future.
“I give each staff member a heartfelt thank you for all they have done in making our district what it is and helping our learners see who they can and will be,” he said.
He then turned to the past school year, which was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am guessing that when you started this year, you had some preconceived notions as to how it would go,’ Abbott told the seniors. “Let’s be honest: This last year-and-a-half has not gone as we expected it to in just about every conceivable way, and I’m talking well beyond the microcosm of our school district.
“Surely, we are living in the cliché of expecting the unexpected,” he said. “Believe it or not, these experiences will, in fact, serve you well in your future.”
Abbott pointed out that graduation is a transition and time of change, placing young people before immense opportunities.
“I encourage you to take a bit of an inventory of your supports — your go-tos — when challenges pop us,” he advised.
He said that in most cases, family will remain their go-to support system.
“These are the people you don’t appreciate nearly enough because you know they care about you,” Abbott said. “Your family is who you go to when you need a little guidance, need to admit a little help is needed, or want a guaranteed cheerleader.”
Friends can be a vital source of support in the upcoming years as well, he said.
“With graduation comes the opportunity for new relationships as others may change over time,” the superintendent stated. “Be open to those who you choose to surround yourself with. They need to be a source of support, a source of laughter, a source of motivation and a source that helps you reach your ever-heightening goals.”
Abbott told the graduates that no one knows them better than they themselves, and if all goes well, the experiences they choose will enable them to continue to not just grow, but to flourish.
“You know your dreams, you know your goals and you know your vision for where you want to go,’ he said. “Be unwavering in what you value and in what you know is right for yourself. Advocate for your needs to find the success you deserve.”
Abbott said he recently was working with some graduate students and one asked him what he believes has changed the most during the past year or so.
“I answered with one word: civility,” he said. “Somewhere along the line, we have lost the ability to talk without shouting, to listen without a need to convince, to hear in efforts to synthesize dichotomy and to consider context before engaging.”
He continued: Thoughts, emotions, words and actions float in our air instantaneously of late, more often than not without consideration of civility.
Without a desire for dialogue or true discourse, but instead to convince, to demand or to put down.”
Abbott said he wonders whether there will be a correction, a pause of breath or a recentering in efforts to recount the societal gains made with simple acts of civility that did not need prior planning. He added that it simply is how people acted or, more importantly, interacted.
“It is my hope that your generation seeks such a reset,” he told the graduates-to-be. “To be interested in divergent ideas and ideologies, with curiosity and generosity. Please, be part of recivilizing our civilization.”
Abbott noted that things are different, forever altered.
“The difference is your power to be part of who we become in the future,” he said. “Take your Blackhawk pride and show the world what you can do, who you can be and where you can take us.
“Our world is, and will be, an increasingly complicated place. While you cannot change it by yourself, you can have a significant impact if you choose to do so.”
He reminded the Class of 2021 members that they always will be part of the 1Fort family … one team, one district and one community.
“I offer you my congratulations and best wishes for the years that lie ahead,” Abbott concluded. “Work hard, prepare to learn from your failures, celebrate those people who support you and never forget you will always have a 1Fort Blackhawk home.”
Dan Halvorsen
Also offering remarks was high school principal Dan Halvorsen, who said he was going to take this one last time to impart final words of wisdom as shared by some very famous hard-working people as high school graduates themselves.
“It’s pretty simple, actually, and boils down to one word,’ Halvorsen said. “No matter what it is you choose to do when you leave here … lead!”
The principal emphasized that each and every graduate has the potential to be a great leader and positively impact his or her world.
He cited Charles “Boss” Kettering, an American inventor, engineer, businessman and holder of 186 patents, who once said, “There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier.”
Halvorsen encouraged the graduates to take that to heart and challenge those frontiers.
“Don’t just guess at what success is; think it through, figure it out and do what it takes every single day to be successful,” Halvorsen said. “No one really cares how tired you may be, how hard you worked before, what you look like or where you’re from. They care about what you’re doing now to take care of what’s in front of you or them that needs to be done.
“Be that person others look to and can count on. Follow when necessary, but be a leader whenever possible.”
Halvorsen also mentioned John D. Rockefeller, wealthy business magnate turned philanthropist.
“He said it best when he told everyone, ‘Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,’’’ Halvorsen said. “Yup, you’re going to be afraid; yup, you’re going to fall; yup, people might not care for you sometimes, but do what you feel is right and go for it!”
He added, “No matter what it is you choose to do, your goal should be the best of whatever that is for your future. Lead the way!”
Halvorsen concluded by advising that as the graduates-to-be choose their career — perhaps even one that has not been created yet — they should do what makes them happy.
“‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’ is a great adage many of you have heard me say before,’ he said. “Whatever it is, though, take the lead and remember the words of Woodrow Wilson, who said, ‘You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.’
“Lead — one word, one nugget, and one path — to your success,” Halvorsen concluded.
Foreign-exchange students
Senior class Secretary Ava Kleman introduced the three foreign-exchange students who have called Fort Atkinson home the past school year.
“They have become a part of our community as students, athletes and friends,” she said. “We wanted to give each of them a chance to share some of their experiences with you to show how moving to Fort Atkinson for a little less than a year has impacted their lives.”
“Justin” Wei Tung Chen, of Taiwan, resided with the Mike and Keri Hill family.
He said he has been through many unique and amazing experiences during this journey.
‘I was overwhelmed by the unique and foreign environment, as well as the A- and B-day rotation combined with the sudden virtual classes,” he recalled. “However, I slowly became accustomed to the life of a high school student and began to enjoy every day I am here.”
Chen said he met a lot of friendly teachers and made amazing friends, and was able to experience classes and lessons not available in his homeland.
“I am intrigued by the shorter school day, which allows us to participate in extracurricular activities,” he noted. “During this year, I attended the basketball, soccer and track teams, and I am really glad I did. We competed with other schools, and faced obstacles that we overcame as a team. The coaches are supportive and they allow us to constantly enhance and tune our abilities.”
He cited the most memorable moment this year as the last home soccer game. It was a chilly day and the team lost 1-0. However, that game demonstrated the most teamwork and dedication he had ever seen, he said.
“Even with this chaotic year with lots of twists and turns, it has still been an astounding and unusual year, to say the least,” Chen said. “Although COVID happened, this unique and amazing voyage made me truly understand the feeling of being in the American culture. I am extremely grateful for everything my host family has done along the way.
“Finally, I thank you all for being part of my experience and journey as an exchange student, and I hope I can meet you all once again someday.”
Francesca Scian of Italy also resided with the Mike and Keri Hill family the past year.
“Exactly one year ago, I was asked to make the toughest decision of my life,” she told attendees. “The COVID-19 pandemic had just started in Italy and it was really bad. They asked a 16-year-old girl, ‘Hey, are you sure you want to go to the opposite part of the world for 10 months, alone, in the middle of a pandemic?’ And I said, ‘sure.’”
But she really was not sure of anything, Scian acknowledged.
“But that’s not the point. The important thing is that I made a decision, and I promised myself that I would never look back until the very end,” she said. “And now here we are, at the end.”
Scian continued: “These past 10 months have been the best ones of my life, not because they have always been easy or happy, but because I achieved my goal, and I’d say even beyond. I personally have always been interested in other cultures. I’m a believer, and I’ll never stop believing that if we want to make this world a better place, we have to get to know each other.”
The foreign-exchange student said values like diversity, adaptability, cooperation and respect are fundamental and vital in order to take little steps toward that goal.
“I grew up so much this year, and I’m so thankful that now I can say that I know the world a little bit better,” Scian said. “I didn’t come here with the intention of comparing my country with yours, but with the only hope — which was more like a certainty — to be able to learn a new point of view, to adapt to a new and different reality and to use this outstanding personal enrichment in my future, not only for myself, but hopefully for others, too.
“Because of this, I feel extremely lucky to have had the privilege of being one of you, Blackhawks, at least for one year.”
She thanked the community, “who welcomed me from the very first day I came here and that now I’m proud to call home,” and her host family, “who never missed the chance to make me feel loved like a daughter and a big sister.
“But most importantly, today I want to thank you, students and staff from Fort Atkinson High School,” Scian said. “You made this year feel like a dream. I found friends and mentors who I’ll never forget, and that hopefully will be lifelong friendships. You all are part of this, which inspired and taught me so much about the world as well as about myself. I can barely recognize myself. But, at the end, the exchange year is not a year in one life, right? It’s a life in one year.”
Baptiste Billard, of France, resided with the Dorian and Andrea Haffelder family.
“I decided to come to the United States to learn English, meet different people and to grow up before I enter college,” Billard said, noting that he made the decision very late, around June 2020.
“I don’t regret anything at all because I have learned to speak English, even though I still have a heavy French accent, so I hope you guys can understand me,” he said.
“I have met a lot of amazing people, like my host family. I thank them for everything they have done for me and for introducing me to the American culture.”
Billard said he hoped hosting him was as good for them as being part of their family was for him.
“Thank you to Fort Atkinson High School for letting me have this experience, despite COVID happening,” he said. “It has been an amazing part of my chapter. I hope every student here has an amazing life; succeed in life and have amazing opportunities. God bless America and Fort Atkinson High School, and every person here.”
Student Senate representative MaryEllen Moran presented the three foreign-exchange students with a class gift.
“Goodbyes are always hard,” she said. “They are full of tears, ‘I’ll miss yous’ and hugs when it isn’t a pandemic. So although your time with us is nearly up, on behalf of the Class of 2021, I would like to thank you.
“Each of you opened our minds and gave us the chance to experience a taste of your home as we welcomed you to ours,” Moran said. “I hope that Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and the United States have become your home away from home.”
She wished the trio the best of luck in the years ahead, adding that this goodbye ‘simply is the next step in order to say hello again later on.”
Students’ speeches
Senior class Secretary Ava Kleman, Vice President Aidan McDonough and Treasurer Madison “Maddie” Miles together offered thoughts relating to the commencement ceremony’s theme, “Road Trip, Movin’ On.”
“As everyone walks out of this gym today, we will all encounter a new roadtrip,” Miles said. “Whether it takes us far or keeps us close, like a roadtrip, none of us are sure exactly what that will look like.”
Kleman pointed out that roadtrips are not cheap, “so when we are off at college, parents, open up your wallets because there is a long road ahead of us.”
“In four years, obviously, there’s been road bumps for all of us,” McDonough said, starting a list of “lows” during high school.
However, Kleman said, no matter how bumpy the ride, the good times have outweighed the bad.
“I’ve had the privilege of being friends with many of my fellow classmates,” she said. “Through fieldtrips, assemblies and extracurricular activities, I have been blessed to get to know many of you and grow alongside you. Some of you I would have never been friends with if it wasn’t for clubs. All of these activities within school and out have influenced all of us to go down the paths of our choice. But we can’t forget who helped us along the way.”
Miles shared that she has been blessed to have been a part of the School District of Fort Atkinson the past 12 years.
“Throughout my time in Fort Atkinson, I have been granted many opportunities by this community,” she said, citing the Fort Atkinson Parks and Recreation Department, Boys and Girls Club of Fort Atkinson, Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center and Gifted and Talented Education programs.
“These programs and many others have guided our roadtrip thus far, and will continue doing so for younger generations,” Miles said. “I’d like to extend my gratitude to all the teachers, administration and support staff at the high school for helping me and my fellow classmates pursue our dreams.
“The senior class and I are thankful for all your help and support especially throughout the adversity we have experienced in the last year or so,” she added.
Miles advised upcoming high school students to reach out to teachers, counselors and support staff when needing help.
“All these people have your back; they love you, respect you and want to see you succeed and reach your full potential,” she said. “To all the graduates today, don’t forget your roots; the same people who have had your back in the last four years will continue to do so the rest of your roadtrip, if you so choose.”
McDonough observed that the class likely would be glad to keep things moving as they continue down different paths.
“We have all formed our own goals and ideas, exemplifying our growth from the start of our freshman year,” he said. “Whether we like to admit it or not, being in school has taught us much more than just academics. We’ve learned how to challenge ourselves, form relationships with the people around us and much, much more.”
As a result, McDonough said, the Class of 2021 is far more unique.
“We have more people joining the workforce, entering the military and looking toward various extensions of further education,” he said. “I know we’ve all got big plans for after high school, and I’m confident we’ll find success in our separate ways.”
Kleman acknowledged that graduation represents a time when students part ways, but she advised her classmates to take a look back and remember with whom they grew up.
“These people sitting next to you will be the ones supporting you,” she said. “No matter what. We were all there for each other for our first big milestone … graduation. This will be remembered for the rest of our lives, so take a moment to congratulate yourselves.
“You have earned this,” she concluded. “It’s time to go out on our roadtrip.”
Offering closing remarks and leading the turning of the mortarboard tassels was senior class Co-president Brooke Leibman.
“This year definitely has not gone to plan, but with the support of fellow classmates, as well as parents and faculty, we have been able to make the best of unfortunate circumstances,” she said. “I can’t say this was how I expected my senior year to be, but we got through it together and, thankfully, it’s over.”
Leibman said that as the graduates step toward the next chapter of life, there always will be obstacles and bumps in the road for even the most successful people.
“We’re all on the path that will lead us to where we are supposed to be,” she said. “As we leave today, remember all of the good times you had in high school, but get excited for what is to come. This is only the beginning of our journey.”
Also participating in the commencement ceremony were the Chamber Chorale seniors and members of the board of education, who awarded diplomas.
In addition to Hall, retiring high school faculty include guidance counselor Curt Brokmeier, choral instructor Craig Engstrom and librarian Cassandra Jacobs.
Videos of the ceremony may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCvQDSkol6I and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05qxpGrBDKE.
Click on the photo above to view a full album of the day’s events.
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