LHS graduates walked the field Friday night

Published 10:21 pm Tuesday, May 25, 2021

By Christy Johnson

Luverne High School held commencement exercises on Friday, May 21.

A class of 55 seniors paraded onto the field beneath a setting sun. Some were nervous, wondering where they will go from here. Some were sad, knowing a chapter of their lives is now over. But all felt excited, not knowing what the future holds.

Parents and family packed the stadium, clicking photos, eager to watch their grad receive one of the most important documents in their lives.

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Michael Kilpatrick, assistant principal, spoke on how blessed Luverne High School has been and how busy the seniors were the last few weeks of their high school careers. The class made memories in the previous few weeks as they participated in senior walk, class day, senior luncheon, baccalaureate, and now graduation.

Salutatorian Lillian Marchand thanked many people for the success of the class of 2021. “I don’t just see my classmates,” Marchand said, “I see my forever friends and special memories we have shared.” She continued her speech reminiscing on memories the class has made throughout the years. “Not only have the past 13 years been an incredible chapter in our lives, full of ups, downs, laughs and cries, but these years have put us each on a path of life that we will celebrate and cherish every single day,” Marchand said ending her speech.

The Jim Hamel Scholarship was presented to the valedictorian and salutatorian of 2021, Chancelor Turner and Lillian Marchand.

The echoing of the speakers over the hushed crowd reminded everyone of what a momentous occasion the event was. Student after student made their way across the field, facing the crowd as a Luverne High School student for the last time, making sure to pause for pictures, marking their great accomplishment in physical form.

Valedictorian Chancelor Turner began his speech thanking everyone for the support and care that has helped him become who he is today. “I would like to thank my family because y’all are always there for me and I definitely would not be here without you,” Turner said. “I am blessed to have each and every one of you.” Turner spoke of the life lessons he learned playing sports for the Tigers and the sizeable impact the coaching staff had on his life. He completed his speech by reading a poem about baseball, a sport he loves and has meant a lot to him and his family. The poem is titled “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer. A copy of the poem was included in the program.

After the seniors participated in the Alma Mater, they proceeded to the goal post to complete an age-old tradition of celebration, throwing of the caps. The class of 2021 tossed their hats to the heavens as they celebrated the end of their high school years. Family and friends swarmed the field, eager to congratulate the class. Congratulations to the Luverne High School Class of 2021!
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S. Lewis

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