Wakefield-Marenisco grads ready to write new chapter

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield-Marenisco High School class of 2019 threw their graduation caps in the air friday, signifying an end to a chapter in their lives.

Before the class celebrated their achievement, Jason Gustafson, superintendent of the district, gave the graduating class advice.

"Before you act, listen; before you react, think; before you spend, earn; before you criticize, wait; before you quit, try," he said quoting William Arthur Ward.

He told the class to listen to their hearts to prepare for their next step in life.

"Your heart will guide you through life helping you have the courage to make tough choices," Gustafson said.

Ella Lynott, class valedictorian, began with a speech written by her father who she said "stood in the same spot" as she was now.

"Even though his speech was deliver back in 1991, I think the message still applies to us today," she said.

Lynott said their lives have now changed regardless if some go on to college and some enter the workforce.

"Today marks a significant period in our lives," she said.

Her father's words warned of being trust into a harsh world where the "comfort and safety of high school no longer exists."

But his message about the people and area rang through her words.

"For this is a very special place, a place we call home," she said. "let us never forget the small things which make Wakefield unique."

She closed by encouraging everybody to live life to it's fullest because "life is too short to wake up with regrets."

"Please remember that all of our day's are numbered and we will never know how many days we are given until it's too late," she said.

She asked her class to always do what makes them happy and not be afraid to take risks.

"Were going to make mistakes and thats O.K.," Lynott said.