Ironwood graduating class honored by 50-year reunion

IRONWOOD - While the Luther L. Wright High School graduating Class of 1965 was more than three times bigger than this year's graduating class, the two classes face common challenges.

"Life is going to come at you fast. You will make mistakes, but don't dwell on them, and move on," Judy Holst, a member of the Class of 1965, said in addressing 2015 graduates on Sunday.

"Fifty years later, they want to come back," Principal Michelle Kanipes said in introducing Holst and her classmates who reunited in the gymnasium for the afternoon ceremony.

Holst read a letter from her class to this year's graduates, joking, "We are here with gray hair, or no hair. For some of us, metal parts are holding our bodies together."

Holst, whose class included 198 students, compared to 55 this year, said she hoped graduating classes from the past would make it a tradition to welcome in the new graduates with similar reunions.

Her last piece of advice was, "You will find your niche. Be patient."

Superintendent Tim Kolesar noted it marked the 125th graduating class at Luther L. Wright. "Be proud of what you accomplished," he said.

Kolesar pointed out the many Ironwood Foundation awards and various scholarships that support seniors after they graduate. This year, 28 students will receive $1,000 Ironwood Foundation awards alone, in addition to many other scholarships.

Denise Woodward, a creative arts teacher at the school, advised the students of the many added opportunities they received from attending a small school. She was particularity proud that the class has launched a fundraising drive with a goal of $2,500 to restore a painting in room 230, a study hall at the school. A total of $400 has been pledged so far.

Senior class president Allison Clemens said the time passed quickly. "It seemed like just yesterday that we were fresh(man) meat," she joked.

Robert Burchell, Student Senate president, encouraged his fellow classmates to get out and see the world, but not forget that Ironwood is a good place to raise a family.

"Adventure is out there. Now it's time for us to go find it," Burchell said.

The class song, "Back Home," was skillfully performed by the high school concert choir under Woodward's direction.

Members of the National Honor Society were introduced as Clemens, Burchell, Caitlyn Agee, Matthew Dary, Christy Moore, Mariah Beaudette, Jacob DiGiorgio, Jesse Moore, Hannah Bratu, Daniel Freeman, Katie Piispanen, James Giannunzio, Emma Tervonen, Jesse Carroll, Megan Hughes and Jared Joki.