IHS grads worked hard for successes
Had it been like most years, Sunday afternoon’s Iola High School commencement would have been the Kent Toland show, lock, stock and scholarship.
Toland’s academic record in high school is spotless. He is a National Merit and Governor’s scholar, will attend Harvard this fall, won a bundle of scholarships and honors, was the silver medalist in the class 4A state singles tennis tournament Saturday and was a straight-A student his four years at IHS.
But this year, Toland had to share the glory.
Six classmates — Aaron Cheung, Madison Ford, Chris Heffern, Seth Kristalyn, Baley LaHaye and Ryan Latta — were co-valedictorians, all with 4.0 grade point averages throughout high school, and five others, including two — Stephanie Stahl and Ryan Weir — who tied for salutatorian honors, were just a smidgen off perfect. Recognition for the top 10 academic students was expanded to 12 students. The other three, tying for 10th, were Andrew Kipp, Alec Peterson and Skylar Strickler.
Toland noted in his commencement address — he was selected by his classmates — the walls of the IHS commons were covered with the names of students, a preponderance seniors, who during the past nine months often had gone beyond the pale in academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Toland recalled when he and his classmates, as eighth graders, came to the high school in the spring of 2006 for the transition from middle school, among the first things they noticed were names on the “Wall of Victory” throughout the entire commons.
“When we reported for the first day of school in August, the wall had been wiped clean … and we began our first day of high school with Mr. (David) South’s famous words echoing in our ears: ‘The clock’s ticking, and we’re keeping score!’”
He recounted the accomplishments of the class, foremost its lofty academic successes, and noted, “Clearly, the class of 2010 has not come up short in the challenge to fill the shoes of those who went before us.
“The leadership that we have learned during high school will serve us well in the future,” Toland said, “as will another important lesson: the importance of always putting forth our best effort. Success is not measured by anyone’s expectations but our own, and by striving to reach our potential, we have succeeded.
“As we celebrate this joyful occasion, it is crucial that we remember those who were there for us during our toughest moments. The journey through high school was not always an easy one, but thanks to the support of our closest friends and family, we have arrived at this moment.
“For some of us,” Toland added, “that person was a teacher who challenged us to think differently; for others, perhaps a friend who refused to let us drop out; and for others still, a parent may have provided the inspiration that we need to carry on. On this day and always, remember to put your loved ones first.
“As we prepare for the responsibilities that come with graduation, we can take pride in the ways in which we have made our school better, and use what we have learned to positively impact others wherever we go.”
He and his classmates have a legacy, Toland said, “not determined by what we do on the court, on the stage or even in the classroom. Our legacy is determined by the ways in which we influence others.
“We are here to make a difference.”
AWARDS for academic excellence were given prior to presentation of diplomas.
The five boys — Cheung, Heffern, Kristalyn, Latta and Toland — in the valedictorian mix were given watches by the Iola Rotary Club and the two girls — Ford and LaHaye — were recognized by the Educational Support Personnel organization.
The top 10 percent, 12 from among the 99 graduates because of the three-way tie for 10th place, were honored by the Iola Kiwanis Club.
When time came for diplomas to be given, Toland was the first recipient so he, as class president, then could announce the names of each of his classmates.
