Fulton celebrates 83rd Commencement

May 20—FULTON, Ill. — The Steamers Class of 2024 was sent forward on Sunday with messages of promise, positivity and character as Fulton High School celebrated its 83rd Commencement Ceremony.

"We believe in you," said Superintendent Darryl Hogue. "We know your Steamer roots will produce greatness."

Paige Lower was recognized as the salutatorian and Owen Brubaker as the valedictorian.

The graduating class will always hold a special place in the heart of Jeff Parsons, since it is his first as the school's principal, he said as he welcomed the graduating seniors and the audience in the gymnasium.

In his opening remarks, he said the class was a diverse and fantastic group of individuals with bright futures ahead of them and a lasting legacy behind them at the school.

Parsons also advised the class, "that your character is who you really are and your reputation is merely what people think of you. Always be concerned with your character. You can't control what people think of you."

He then offered advice based on the expectations placed on him by the high school staff when he was hired.

First, communication is a key to success, he said.

"When talking or staying silent, you are sending a message," he said. "Make sure that message is a positive one and one that reflects you as a person and your morals and standards that make you."

The second is follow-through.

"If you are going to do something, do it the best of your ability," he said. "Do it right or don't do it. If you're unable to do something, let's go back to point one and communicate that to them. People understand honesty and integrity and they respect it."

Third, be supportive.

"Whether it's a difficult time in someone's life or a celebration, be there to support the ones that you love and are close to and come in contact with every day of your life, he said. People remember... those who where there for them and who truly helped them along the way."

And lastly, be the best version of yourself everyday by living authentically and true to your values.

"You also need to make sure you're doing what brings you a sense of happiness and a purpose in life," he said.

Three graduating seniors also took the podium: Ariana Kalyan, Reese Dykstra and Class President Lauren Wambergue.

"As we stand on the threshold of new beginnings, let us take this opportunity to appreciate the experiences, lessons and relationships that have shaped us into the individuals we are today," Kalyan said.

Kalyan talked about getting past fear as a freshman and on to the many chapters of high school through the years that were written by many authors.

"Our family, friends, teachers, coaches and mentors helped in writing our first story with teaching us so many valuable lessons," she said. "One of the biggest lessons I learned along the way was that labels don't matter. The second we walk out those doors today, no one cares if you are captain of the football or volleyball team and no one cares if you are popular or unpopular."

She also continued the character-building message.

"The most important character traits you could ever have are perseverance, dedication and kindness," Kalyan said.

Dykstra talked about the power of positivity.

"Now, I know you are all trying to be as patient as possible until you are finally able to walk across the stage with your diploma in hand," she said. "Trust me, I am too. But I think the suspense is just going to make it even better."

She acknowledged mixed emotions were likely at this moment of graduation. There is surely saddness to be leaving the familiar, for example, or excitement to be leaving Fulton to explore what the world offers, which includes positives such as making more friends, earning a paycheck, and making your own decisions about the direction of your life, for example.

"So, if there is any advice I would give to you about your next steps into the future, it is to look at the bright side," Dykstra said. "By doing this one small thing, you can help change other people's lives as well. You will be an overall happier person, which will then be radiated onto others. A smile can go such a long way. So be a light not only to those around you but to yourself as well."

Wambergue talked the roles that past, present and future play in lives.

"Often, we get to our desired future by taking events form the past, minding the lessons we can from them, and talking action in the present to move us forward toward our future," she said.

There are pitfalls such as getting stuck ruminating about past failures or becoming too absorbed in the future that you miss necessary steps, she explained.

"There is power in the now, because it's our chance to choose what we want from life," she said.

Prior to declaring the diplomas certified, Hogue emphasized the importance of hard work, exploring passions and finding what you love to do. He taught Junior Achievement lessons to this class when they were in fifth-grade said, he said, and added: "I told the students if you only remember one thing, it's this, if you love what you do you will always love what you do."