Watersmeet graduates ready to enter world

WATERSMEET - Thirteen Nimrods walked across the stage and received their high school diplomas during Watersmeet Township School District's graduation ceremony on Friday.

The school's gymnasium was full of graduates' friends and families there to witness commencement for the class of 2014.

Hayley Garrison, class secretary, gave the valedictorian address and said not every high school student is lucky enough to know all of their classmates, but she was.

After listing the fond memories she shared with classmates, Garrsion got choked up mentioning her family and thanking them for what they've done for her.

"And I can't wait for you to see the woman I become," she said. To her classmates, she added "follow your dreams because the sky is the limit."

John Zorich, a retired criminal justice instructor at Gogebic Community College, gave the commencement address.

He referred to the 13 graduating students as the "baker's dozen," and reminded students of their rights, privileges and responsibilities of becoming adults.

"You have the right to attain higher education, so feel privileged," he said.

Zorich also offered an anecdote about how a $20 bill can be crumpled up, or stomped into the ground, but people will still want it because the value of the bill hasn't changed.

"Many times in your lives you will be crumpled up," Zorich told graduates. "You will be grounded into the dirt by this cruel world that you're about to enter. You may feel worthless at times, but no matter what happens to you, you will not lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you."

District Administrator George Peterson III said all of the students will be attending college, a trade school or enlisting with the military.

"We're sad to see them go, but we're very happy," he said. "They're a great bunch of people and they're going to serve this country well."