“Approach every challenge with determination, resilience, and positivity.” Messages of resilience and perseverance run through PHS graduation

For a brief moment, the weather did not look promising, with overcast skies and a possibility of rain wasn’t about to dampen the spirit of the seniors of Palmer High School on Tuesday. Instead, Mother Nature cooperated, allowing the graduating class of 2023 to receive their well-earned diplomas in the only outdoor ceremony.

Amid the windy gusts that Palmer is known for, with their tassels and cords blowing this way and that, seniors made their way to the 50-yard line at Machetanz Field.

The ceremony was overseen by Assistant Principal David Booth, who will be the next principal for the high school, along with Master of Ceremonies, graduating senior Isaac Sena, who will be joining the United States Marine Corps later this summer.

Much like the city of Palmer, the ceremony had moments of music, quirkiness, and reflection, as when student speaker Esme Campfield spoke about overcoming fears, self-doubts, resiliency, and coming away with perseverance.

Fellow graduating senior Bella Schnuck echoed the sentiments, saying:

“We were able to overcome and adapt to the challenges and changes we went through over the last 4 years. We all faced a lot of change and struggle, whether it was moving here from out of town, being out of school for 2 years while dealing with COVID, or suffering the loss of a friend or family member, we’ve all overcome a lot.”

There were musical moments when Keegan Gerkin gave a solo performance of “Landslide,” and later when Connor VanAudsal and Kayson Asay brought in some acoustic fun, reflecting on all the things the students had to do, like “roll out of bed, stroll to the living room, watch the Cartoon Network,” and finding their “laundry was magically clean, and your dad’s back pocket was an ATM machine.”

“These 4 years have been incredibly transformative. I’ve learned so much about myself and life, from the fulfillment that comes from building relationships in school and the community around me,” said Keegan Gerkin.

The highlight of the ceremony went to Keynote Speaker, Palmer High Science teacher Sean Niekamp, who is also an alumni, from the graduating class of 2011.

“It is with great pleasure and a little bit of sadness that I stand here and celebrate your graduation. Pleasure, because I’ve had the honor of being your teacher and watching you grow into the amazing individuals that you are. And sadness because as much as I am proud of you all, it is hard to let go of such an amazing group of students.”

Niekamp had the unique perspective of being a freshman teacher when the class of 2023 were freshmen themselves.

“I have a special place in my heart for the class of 2023 that is because we both started at Palmer High School at the same time. You walked into Palmer High through the front doors as new students, while I walked through those same front doors as a new teacher.”

He reminded students that they have the tools and skills necessary to overcome the many obstacles life throws at them, echoing the earlier sentiments of

“I urge you to approach every challenge with determination, resilience, and positivity.”