Already missing the friendships

Members of the graduating class of Hiawatha High School pose for a picture before Friday's ceremony. Wendy Kemp – For the Daily Chronicle

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KIRKLAND – Many graduates say they will not miss high school, but 18-year-old Katie Vowles knows that is not the case for her.

"I'll miss all my friends and the good times," she said on Friday night at the Hiawatha High School commencement ceremony. "I know I'm going to cry a lot, along with my mom. I'm the youngest in my family and I've been here since kindergarten."

Friendships are long lasting in the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school, where students are all in one building until they graduate. Vowles, who was feeling nervous before Friday's ceremony, is now among 60 graduates in the Hiawatha High School Class of 2009.

"Congratulations Class of 2009, you made it," School Principal Chris Lewis told the group of students, who sat on the bleachers wearing blue gowns. "You have achieved the goal you set many years ago ... I fully believe you will all be very successful."

Nearly 20 of the graduates are members of one or both of two honors societies — The National Honociety or the National Technical Honors Society. Among them were valedictorians, Tom Dorn, Marc Welc, Bridget Crase, Zach Klein and Erin Manzer.

Manzer and Klein paired up during the ceremony to give a speech honoring parents, teachers and the community.

"Today, the Class of 2009 starts believing, like our parents, that we can be whatever we want to be," Klein said. " ... Tomorrow, you're children will start a new beginning."

The two asked each graduate to bring a rose to their parents as a gift of gratitude for their support and love. Manzer noted that parents were not the only ones supporting students in Kirkland.

"Teachers, neighbors and parents — they've all been there for us," she said. " ... Our teachers were there to guide us on our journey to adulthood. ... And our community has given us so much, so it's important that we give back."

The small community is part of what makes Hiawatha special, Lewis said, because it keeps relationships close-knit.

"Enjoy today, look forward to tomorrow and life after high school," she said. "You must find something to challenge you and you will be happier, sharper and stronger as a result."