Somonauk High School sends off 85 graduates

Graduating seniors, from right, Katie Castleman, Tasha Krapausky, Kristine Taylor and Brenda Rodriguez share letters they had written to themselves as freshman before the ceremony at Somonauk High School in Somonauk, Ill., on Sunday May 31, 2009.

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SOMONAUK – Rilee Burke wasn't sure what to say to her classmates in her speech Sunday afternoon.

Burke, one of eight valedictorians in the Somonauk High School class of 2009, realized her 84 classmates were so different, nothing she could say could possibly resonate with all of them, she said.

"The only thing we all have in common is that we are on the cusp of the future, whether we want to be or not," she said. "The best part is, we can choose to live our lives however we wish. ...All that matters is how you feel about yourself when the day is over, and whether you have the will to get up and do it again."

A number of awards and acknowledgments were presented to the seniors Sunday afternoon prior to receiving their diplomas. The ceremony was punctuated with performances by the high school chorus and band.

"The time has come for us to move on and experience life for ourselves," co-valedictorian Kelsey Brummel said. "The future is ours to embrace. We are the leaders of tomorrow."

Co-valedictorian Tashia Warner urged her classmates to allow both good and bad experiences to shape them.

"No doubt we'll never forget this year, but its important we not get stuck here," she said. "When it starts to get difficult, don't pull back and retreat to what is comfortable. You have to stay exposed, because it is difficult times that shape your personal being."

Burke also urged her classmates to not be cowed by difficulties in life.

"I challenge you to break down barriers and be more than anyone expects of you," she said. "Be someone you can be proud of."