Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By PAMELA JANSSON
Mercer - Six new graduates of Mercer High School not only received their diplomas Sunday, but also nearly $70,000 in scholarships from their local community.
The financial support tied in with a message from guest speaker Sandy Karpen, who teaches 7-12 Business and 9-12 English at the school.
"Have you ever heard the saying 'It takes a village to raise a child'?" asked Harden.
She said it's her favorite response when people ask what a small school can offer.
Harden said that students' families and school staff have done all they can to prepare graduates for their future. "It is now up to them to make good choices," she said.
Co-valedictorian Amber Marilyn Eith thanked teachers and loved ones but became emotional when acknowledging her mother, who she said is her "best friend" and "biggest fan."
Amber, who was also student council president, also urged her classmates to "live in the now and not the future."
Co-valedictorian Cameron Lee Patton-Lopez, who also was senior class president, also urged his classmates to "embrace the future with open arms.
He concluded his speech on a playful note: "Here's to the Class of 2024. Oh me, oh my, it's time to say good-by."
School Board President James Hannemann introduced the allotment of $66,950 in scholarships.
The financial awards were presented by a list of community members who took turns offering students their own good wishes.
District administrator Renae McMurray concluded, "You're the authors of your own stories. Write with courage, integrity and conviction."