'Despite our struggles, we made it.': Celebration at Tech High's graduation
Graduating seniors of St. Cloud Tech High School shared their final moments as classmates together at River's Edge Convention Center on Saturday.
"I feel the energy around the celebration for our students here today," principal Jason Harris told to the graduating class. "As you close this chapter, I challenge you not to rest in this achievement alone, but contain the strive for loftier goals."
"As you prepare for the next stage of your life, find purpose, help others, be curious, be kind, be compassionate, be brave, be determined, be trustworthy, be creative, be innovative and be driven," Harris said.
This year's honored faculty speaker was social studies teacher Tomas Stoffel.
"We're all in the edge of our seats watch these amazing students practice one last life skill... patience," Stoffel said.
He then empathized with students to enjoy life, even as they are driven in their endeavors.
"Have a strategic plan, work hard, and a positive attitude, and I know you'll accomplish anything you put your mind to. As you're changing the world, remember to have patience, relax and enjoy the journey because when you just focus on the destination, you'll miss out a lot on life," Stoffel said.
Senior class representatives then took to the stage.
Fyzeen Ahmad jokingly gave thanks to superintendent Willie Jett for "Not only extending winter-break this year, but giving us four whole snow days!" The entire audience laughed and applauded. "Your leadership will soon be missed," Ahmad added.
"Another very special shout out to our principal Mr. Harris for loving our class so much that he just had to follow us as our principal from middle school all the way through high school." Harris served in South Junior High before recently moving to Tech.
"I know this class will do many great things in this world. Some will make millions, and others will make memes. Some will go on to complete degrees, and others will continue to struggle with what the quadratic formula really is and how it works. But none of us have the strength to do it alone," Ahmad said.
Haley Deans was next, and shared that she did not see the pandemic as a problem, but an advantage that she and her classmates could use in the future.
"We became resilient, strong, and understanding," Deans said. "Although this chapter is ending, you will always be Tigers."
Fahmo Abdi and Naimo Abdullahi spoke last and at times together in unison. They both acknowledged the struggles they've shared, and the ones that might come in the future.
"Despite our struggles, we made it," the duo said.
Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa is the education reporter for the St. Cloud Times. Reach him agaafarelkhalifa@stcloudtimes.com. Follow him on Twitter @AbdullaGaafare1
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: St. Cloud Technical High School graduation 2022 celebration
