Palmer graduates ‘are ready to succeed’

PALMER — There was a little extra pomp in the circumstance at Palmer High School Thursday.

The gymnasium was standing room only as the crowd watched the school’s Class of 2009 — all 177 of them — graduate.

“I have never looked forward to anything more than this graduation,” said Rachel Kenley, class speaker.

Although many of the young men and women may not yet know what their lives will hold, Kenley said that uncertainty isn’t as important as people knowing they need to be themselves and have passion for whatever they do.

Kevin Priestly also spoke to his classmates, telling them to reflect on the last four years. The purpose of graduation is for students to celebrate surviving their secondary education, and now it’s time to shine.

“We have made it and we are ready to succeed,” Priestly said.

Succeed they did. Over the past four years this class has been the funnest out of my nine years here at Palmer High School said principal Wolfgang Winter.

"Every class is special but this class just had some kids that grip you, really grip your heart."