The STC class of 2024. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

On Sunday, May 20, the seniors of South Tama County High School entered the high school as a student one last time. Adorned with gaps and gowns, the class of 2024 lined up and began their procession into the gym to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance.

After the 117 graduates found their seats the pledge of allegiance was said aloud along with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. STC High School Principal Robert Boley then welcomed families and began the ceremony. Starting with some brief thank yous, Boley moved to his message for the graduates.

“I told the graduates that my remarks would only take a minute and thirty seconds, so here goes,” he said.

Boley spoke of his final lesson for the class of 2024, a message of gratitude. With a touch more than a minute of speaking, his lesson will be felt in these graduates for years to come.

“I am asking you to present the rose that you are now holding to the one person who helped you reach this milestone,” he said. “I asked you to look into the crowd as you came in to find that significant person, I hope you were able to do that. At this time I ask all the graduates to find that individual in the crowd and return to their chairs.”

STC High School Principal Robert Boley stands at the podium before opening the graduation ceremony. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

As students began to present roses to significant people in their lives, many tears were shed, a powerful moment for all in attendance.

Graduates were recognized for their academic achievements next. Seven were recognized as graduating with honor by maintaining between a 3.50-3.74 grade point average. Fifteen were introduced as graduating with distinction by maintaining a 3.75 or higher grade point average.

Boley then presented the new Trojan Seal of Academic Excellence

“In 2022 the South Tama County Board of Education approved the creation of a new academic recognition for students who commit to earning at least 56 credits with a grade point of at least 3.0. Credits must be earned in advanced level math science social studies and world language high school classes,” he said.

The five inaugural recipients of the seal were: Maeley Elsbury, Kayla Heck, Kyle Heck, Cade Rosenberger, and Tommy Tyynismaa.

Maeley Elsbury was voted on by peers as the class speaker, delivering a passionate speech full of nods to her classmates. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

In good pace the ceremony then presented Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors to two individuals. Maeley Elsbury was named Salutatorian and Tommy Tyynismaa was named Valedictorian. After receiving his medal, Tyynismaa assumed the podium to deliver his commencement address.

Beginning with some thank you’s and a few witty remarks Tyynismaa got to his message for the class. He gave four points of advice in a short but impactful speech; Don’t waste your time, try new things, learn from mistakes, and surround yourself with a great support system.

Next Maeley Elsbury, who was voted on by her peers to be the class speaker, gave her address to all in attendance.

“I’m proud to be leaving South Tama as someone who has forever marked my name in the history books. I am leaving as a strong, independent woman who can stand up for myself and refuse to let others walk all over me. I have paved the way for girls, especially in wrestling, with my words, actions, and achievements by becoming South Tama’s first-ever female state champion in the sport of wrestling, and that is something I will forever be proud of,” she said.

After a passionate speech of the different highs and lows of their schooling journey together, Elsbury left behind a powerful message.

Robert Boley awards the salutatorian medal to Maeley Elsbury. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

“We get a choice every, single day, and our choices can affect someone without even realizing it. So when you wake up tomorrow I want you to think about what you want to be. And who you want to be, because whether you believe me or not, your actions and words can

make a difference,” she said.

Following the two impassioned speeches was faculty speaker Emily Chyma. Hitting on the copious achievements of the class of 2024, Mrs. Chyma drove home the point that this class was special. At the end, she left three points of advice; You don’t know everything, You can’t do it alone and You are not your accomplishments. After drawing plenty of tears, Chyma left the stage after delivering yet another fantastic speech.

Superintendent John Cain then certified the graduates before diplomas were handed out. A long standing tradition at STC is that students choose who hands them their high school diploma. This year was no different, with many staff members being chosen to hand the class of 2024 their diplomas. Mrs. Dixie Forcht read the graduates names, and each graduate and a staff member of their choice shared a special moment in front of the community.

When all the diplomas were handed out the class of 2024 was ready to depart. Leaving to the tune “Good Life” by Kanye West, students had a variety of expressions. From scared and frightened to elated and overjoyed, the class of 2024 is now off into the world to choose their own path. Congratulations to the South Tama County Class of 2024.

STC Social Studies Teacher Emily Chyma delivers the faculty speech. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Holen Schirmer and embraces his mom Joy Schirmer after being bestowed his diploma. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Rilea Schmidt embraces her mom after presenting her with a rose symbolizing her gratitude. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Zophia Zmolek celebrates her graduation with Jill Kienzle after receiving her diploma. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Alex Carrera celebrates after receiving his diploma from Michelle Bradley. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Caszandra “Mika” Durolofo is overcome with emotions after retiring STC Choir Director Chris McFate hands her a diploma. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Ben Seremba celebrates graduation surrounded by friends and family. The group of supporters cheered and danced after the graduation ceremony had concluded. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER