MLHS Class of 2025 steps out into the world
Jun. 12—MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School Class of 2025 celebrated a milestone Tuesday evening as 386 graduates participated in the commencement ceremony held at the school's stadium.
The air was filled with excitement and pride as families and friends gathered to honor the achievements of the graduating class, marking the completion of their high school journey.
Principal Sheila Kries opened the ceremony, reflecting on the unique challenges faced by students over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic.
"When you arrived at Moses Lake High School as ninth graders, I was your assistant principal," she said. "I fondly recall interacting with you and the memorable chaos that ensued as the school reopened post-COVID."
Her remarks served as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability the students demonstrated throughout their high school years.
The commencement featured two student speakers, Julia Heaps and Hayden Meek, who shared their reflections and experiences. Heaps, an accomplished student set to attend Columbia University, emphasized the importance of seeing beyond stereotypes.
"Don't settle for a single story, not about people, not about places and not about yourself," she urged her classmates. "Be curious, not judgmental."
Hayden Meek, acknowledging the challenges the class faced in their senior year, paid tribute to the support systems that helped the students persevere.
"I also want to thank my closest friends who helped me with this speech," he said. "Reach out, whether you're grieving a loss or just not feeling like yourself. You're not alone. Everyone goes through hard times."
Superintendent Carol Lewis reinforced the significance of graduation.
"This accomplishment is the beginning of an opportunity for you to go out into communities near and far to share your amazing talents," Lewis said.
She expressed gratitude for the staff and community members who supported the students, especially during the school's financial challenges last year.
As the 79th graduating class of Moses Lake High School, the Class of 2025 now steps into a world filled with possibilities, leaving behind cherished memories and embracing new opportunities to thrive in their future endeavors.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
Nathan Silver, Who Chronicled a Vanished New York, Dies at 89
Nathan Silver, an architect whose elegiac 1967 book, 'Lost New York,' offered a history lesson about the many buildings that were demolished before the city passed a landmarks preservation law that might have offered protection from the wrecking ball, died on May 19 in London. He was 89. His brother, Robert, who is also an architect, said that he died in a hospital after a fall and subsequent surgery to repair a torn knee ligament. Mr. Silver's book — an outgrowth of an exhibition that he curated in 1964 while he was teaching at Columbia University's architecture school — was an indispensable photographic guide to what had vanished over many decades. It was published as the city's long-percolating preservation movement was working to prevent other worthy structures from being destroyed. 'By 1963, it seemed urgent to make some sort of plea for architectural preservation in New York City,' he wrote. 'It had been announced that Pennsylvania Station would be razed, a final solution seemed likely for the 39th Street Metropolitan Opera' — it was destroyed in 1967 — 'and the commercial buildings of Worth Street were being pounded into landfill for a parking lot.' He added, 'While cities must adapt if they are to remain responsive to the needs and wishes of their inhabitants, they need not change in a heedless and suicidal fashion.' He found images in archives of 'first-rate architecture' that no longer existed, including a post office near City Hall; Madison Square Garden, at Madison Avenue and 26th Street; the art collector Richard Canfield's gambling house, on 44th Street near Fifth Avenue; the 47-story Singer Tower, at Broadway and Liberty Street; the Produce Exchange, at Beaver Street and Bowling Green; and the Ziegfeld Theater, at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Things Boomers Now Wish They'd Been Stricter About With Their Kids
In a world that seems to spin faster by the day, the old-school parenting wisdom of the Baby Boomers feels like a relic of a bygone era. Yet, in the rearview mirror of time, some regrets linger. As today's social fabric stretches and frays under the pressures of technology, globalization, and cultural shifts, the echo of those bygone parental guidelines grows louder. It's not that they had it all figured out, but maybe, just maybe, there's some gold in the grit of their rules—rules they now wish they had enforced with a little more gusto. Remember when the dinner table was a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life? A time when people looked each other in the eyes, said grace, and passed the peas without checking their phones? Boomers now wistfully recall this sacred family ritual and kick themselves for letting it slip away. In a study by Columbia University, teens who dine with their families are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, yet how many of us traded this for TV dinners and smartphones? The art of conversation is dying a slow death, and the dinner table could have been its CPR. Instead of grabbing meals on the go or zoning out in front of screens, those moments could have fostered meaningful connections. It's not just about the food; it's about the stories shared, the laughter, and the understanding that grows when we put down the distractions. Maybe it's time to reclaim that space and dust off the dining table for what it was meant to be: a place of unity. Boomers often lament letting technology slowly infiltrate every corner of childhood without setting firm boundaries. Who knew that screens would become the fifth member of the family, always present, never sleeping? Left unchecked, those glowing rectangles have morphed from educational tools into omnipresent distractions that siphon attention, creativity, and sleep. The result? A generation that can swipe and scroll but struggles with patience and face-to-face communication. Imagine if screens had been treated like dessert—something you earn after eating your vegetables, not a staple of the main course. Limiting screen time might have fostered more backyard adventures, more tree climbing, more scraped knees, and less digital dependency. Sure, you can't put the technological genie back in the bottle, but Boomers wish they'd at least kept a tighter lid on it. Maybe it's not too late to lead by example and show that the world beyond the screen is still worth exploring. Chores—a word that made kids groan and parents sigh with a mix of nostalgia and exasperation. In an age where instant gratification rules, the idea of scrubbing toilets or mowing lawns feels almost like child labor. But here's the kicker: a study by Marty Rossmann at the University of Minnesota found that kids who did chores were more successful adults. It turns out that folding laundry and washing dishes teach responsibility, work ethic, and the understanding that life requires us all to pitch in. Chores are the unsung heroes of character development, instilling a sense of duty and accomplishment. Yet, so many Boomers softened on this front, perhaps swayed by complaints or the lure of convenience. Now, they wish they'd been more steadfast, more willing to endure the eye rolls and foot-dragging. Because in making kids do chores, they weren't just cleaning up messes—they were shaping future adults who know the value of hard work and shared responsibility. The playground can be a battlefield, and the school corridors, a gauntlet of social challenges. Boomers often look back with regret at the times they didn't arm their kids with enough courage or tools to stand up to bullies. Instead of teaching resilience and confidence, too often the advice boiled down to "ignore them, and they'll go away." But bullying doesn't just vanish like a bad smell; it festers, affecting mental health and self-esteem. Imagine if more parents had taught their kids to stand tall and speak up early on. Confrontation isn't easy, but neither is living in fear or with a battered sense of self-worth. In retrospect, Boomers wish they'd encouraged more backbone, more "this is not okay" moments. Because sometimes, the lessons of the schoolyard—handling envy, classism, and cruelty—are the ones that shape us well into adulthood. Boomers often reminisce about a time when respect for elders was non-negotiable, not an optional gesture. Somewhere along the line, the deference that once marked interactions with grandparents and elders seemed to wane. According to a report from the Stanford Center on Longevity, intergenerational interactions are vital for mutual understanding and societal cohesion. Yet, how many of us have allowed this crucial aspect of culture to fade in the face of modern life's pace? In a world obsessed with youth, it's easy to overlook the wisdom that comes with age. Boomers wish they'd enforced a stronger sense of reverence for those who've walked the path before us. It was never just about saying "please" and "thank you"; it was about valuing the life experiences that an older generation could offer. Maybe it's time to revive those traditions and remind ourselves that respect is a two-way street that enriches us all. Remember when piggy banks and allowance were lessons in financial responsibility rather than mindless spending sprees? Boomers often look back and wish they had been more diligent in teaching their kids the value of a dollar. Instead of handing out cash or credit cards without consequence, there could have been more lessons in saving, budgeting, and investing. Unfortunately, many young adults today face a financial landscape they're ill-prepared to navigate. Boomers had a chance to instill a sense of fiscal responsibility early on, to teach that money doesn't grow on trees or magically appear in bank accounts. The regret now lies in the missed opportunities to shape financially savvy adults who understand the power of compound interest and the perils of debt. It's a crucial skill set that doesn't come with age but with education and practice. Perhaps there's still time to flip the script and prioritize financial literacy in family dialogues. In a hyper-connected world, boredom has become public enemy number one—a void to be filled with endless scrolling, streaming, and stimulation. Boomers look back and wish they'd allowed more space for their kids to just be, to sit with the discomfort of boredom and let creativity bloom. Research by Sandi Mann at the University of Central Lancashire suggests that boredom can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving. But how many of us have rushed to fill those voids with instant entertainment, depriving kids of the chance to engage in self-discovery? The art of self-entertainment is a skill that builds resilience and imagination. By constantly trying to entertain and occupy every moment, Boomers may have inadvertently dulled the creative spark. Now, they see the value in a little nothingness, in letting minds wander and explore without a predetermined destination. Maybe it's time to reclaim the beauty of boredom, to understand that not every moment needs to be filled with activity or distraction. Once upon a time, mental health was a whispered topic, often brushed under the rug or ignored altogether. Boomers regret the silence, the missed opportunities to talk openly about feelings, anxiety, and depression. By not normalizing these conversations, they may have contributed to the stigma that still surrounds mental health today. The truth is, mental well-being deserves the same attention and care as physical health. Imagine a world where emotional resilience was given the same weight as academic success. Boomers wish they'd fostered environments where feelings could be expressed freely and without judgment. In hindsight, those conversations could have empowered kids to seek help when needed, to understand that it's okay not to be okay. Breaking down these barriers will take time, but the first step is acknowledging the conversations that should have happened. The allure of shortcuts and instant success stories is hard to resist, but Boomers often look back and wish they'd emphasized the importance of hard work more. In a culture that celebrates overnight success, the grind and graft can feel outdated or unnecessary. But those who have walked the long road know that the value of hard work isn't just about outcomes—it's about the journey, the lessons, and the persistence it builds. No substitute for the sense of accomplishment comes from knowing you've earned your achievements. Boomers wish they'd pushed back against the "easy come, easy go" mentality, reinforcing that hard work doesn't just build character; it reveals it. Now, as the world becomes more complex and competitive, they see the need for grit more than ever. Because at the end of the day, knowing how to work hard is a life skill that never goes out of style. With the rise of digital communication, face-to-face interaction became the casualty of convenience. Boomers often wish they'd held the line on this, insisting on eye contact, handshakes, and genuine conversations instead of texts and emojis. The ability to communicate in person is a skill, one that builds empathy, understanding, and deep connection. But when it's neglected, relationships can become shallower, more transactional. There's a richness in human interaction that technology simply can't replicate. Boomers now see the lost opportunities in not nurturing this, in allowing screens to mediate too many conversations. It's a challenge to reverse the trend, but the importance of expressing oneself clearly and confidently in person cannot be overstated. Because at the end of the day, the best connections are the ones that make you feel seen and heard, not just liked and shared. In a world obsessed with results, the process often gets overlooked, particularly when it comes to understanding consequences. Boomers look back and wish they had done more to instill a sense of accountability in their kids. The idea that actions have consequences—good or bad—is a fundamental lesson that too often gets lost in the shuffle. Teaching this principle could have helped shape more conscientious, self-aware individuals. The missed chance lies in not having more open discussions about cause and effect, about how choices ripple into the future. It's not just about punishment but about understanding the broader impact of one's actions. Boomers now see the importance of nurturing this awareness, not just for individual growth but for the health of communities and societies at large. Because knowing that your actions matter is empowering, a guiding compass in the chaos of life. There was a time when kids were expected to fend for themselves, to navigate the world with a degree of autonomy that seems foreign today. Boomers often regret not pushing harder for independence, for letting kids find their way without hovering. In our well-meaning attempts to protect, we sometimes smother, robbing children of the chance to learn self-reliance. A little independence can go a long way in building confidence and resilience. The road to adulthood is paved with small acts of independence, chances to make decisions, and face challenges solo. Boomers wish they'd encouraged more of this instead of swooping in at every sign of struggle. Now, they see the value in stepping back, in allowing mistakes to be the teachers they were always meant to be. Because learning to stand alone is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a child preparing to face the world. As the concrete jungles expand and screens captivate our attention, Boomers wistfully remember a time when nature was the playground. They often regret not making the great outdoors a compulsory part of daily life. The sense of wonder and peace found in nature is unmatched, a free classroom with lessons in biology, geography, and humility. Nature offers a grounding experience, a reminder of the world beyond pixels and posts. Boomers wish they'd insisted on more camping trips, more hikes, more afternoons spent in the garden or by the sea. The connection to nature is a balm for the soul, a counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of modern life. Now, they see the importance of instilling a respect and love for the natural world in the next generation. Because once you know the beauty of nature, you carry it with you, no matter where you go.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Jespersen: Grief, grace and goodbye
I had other plans for this column. Around this time each year, I usually write something to commemorate the end of another school year; a reflection of what teams around Gaylord have accomplished and a thank you to all that have made another year special (a 'thank you' you all still deserve). This one was going to be a little different, looking back on the first graduating class I had seen go from freshman when I first arrived in 2022 to high school graduates in 2025. This isn't that column. On Saturday, June 7, in-between the Gaylord softball regional games, I received a text that one of my best friend's younger brother, Patrick McElroy Govan, had tragically passed away at just 27-years-old. Through his older brother Bradley, I had my own relationship with Patrick, as throughout my trips to the Govan household, Pat had become almost like an adopted little brother to our high school friend group. This week, I watched his family have to say goodbye to him, a truly good man gone way too soon. Outside of dredging up dormant memories, reuniting with friends I haven't seen in years and the many, many tears shed for one of my best friends, this past week has put so much of life into perspective. Now, I need to say my goodbyes to the Class of 2025. Right now? Yeah, right now. Like I mentioned, I had other plans for this column; however, if I have to say goodbye right now, I think I need to add a little bit more. So, in lieu of my traditional 'goodbye', I'd like to leave my first freshman class with a bit of wisdom that, at least I think, Patrick would approve. When I first went to the Govan's household and met Patrick, the first thing I learned about him was this quirk that Bradley could not understand. "His favorite college? Michigan," said a young Brad Govan. "His second? Ohio State." Being the college sports fanatic I was, I spent much of our first meeting trying to explain why those are conflicting interests. Patrick didn't care. Patrick liked what Patrick liked. Years went by and we never changed his mind. What did change his mind? Eventually becoming a student at Michigan State, leaving both Michigan and Ohio State in the dust. It was quirks like that; his passion for Legos and K'nex, his love for EDM music and everything in between that made Patrick such a unique character. Those quirks that have filled the stories of Patrick's life this week, something small in each anecdote that makes you say 'yep, that's Patrick.' It's so easy to do the opposite; to hide those things that make you different, to become someone you're not in hopes of finding acceptance somewhere else. I implore you, and I think Patrick would as well, to leave that mindset in high school. Be yourself, and be proud of it. The memories you make and the people you attract will be that much better, more meaningful and more memorable. One of the things that has become very clear in the past few days is how easy it is to lose touch with people you truly care about. Unfortunately for many of my high school friends and I, we have been treated to the worst kind of high school reunion, having to catch up with so many people while dealing with the worst of circumstances. Many of you in the Class of 2025 are going your separate ways in less than two months. While social media allows us all to stay somewhat plugged in to each others lives, its no where near a substitute for real, face-to-face conversations, something that will become very difficult to have with even your closest friends soon enough, at least on a regular basis. So, as you feel it becoming easier and easier to skip a phone call, not text back and slip out of touch, don't; fight that urge to let things slip, even when it's inconvenient. Losing your little brother at 27 is something no older sibling deserves. While I watched my good friend deal with an unimaginable trauma, I've been truly impressed with how well he and his family seem to be holding up. And, while I know everyone handles grief differently, I can't help but think that the memories Patrick left with them have been helping to keep their emotions from overwhelming them. And man, its hard to fathom a 27-year-old making as many memories as I've heard shared over the past few days. And not just the mental memories; photos, videos, audio recordings, anything that the Govans have been able to share have been either laugh creating or tear jerking, all cherished and none lost. As the Class of 2025 goes out and joins the world, I want you all to remember that; take those pictures, those videos, keep them and keep them close. You never know when a random 15 minute clip is the last you'll ever have. Goodbyes are never easy. I think now, for the time being, I've said enough goodbyes. Contact GHT Sports Editor Dylan Jespersen at Djespersen@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @dylanjespersen, and Instagram, @dylanjespersen This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Jespersen: Grief, grace and goodbye
