Giltner graduates say farewell

Emotions were flowing freely Sunday afternoon during Giltner’s graduation exercises, where 10 honorees turned the tassel ending their high school careers.
Amidst all the traditional pomp and circumstance, valedictorian Desiree Sukovaty paused to thank the community, family and friends who helped the Class of 2008 reach this day.
“This is a day to remember the great times we shared and also a time to look back and remember our coaches, teachers and administrators,” Sukovaty said. “Each of you have had a tremendous impact on our lives. You taught us lessons beyond the textbook and gave us lifelong values.”
While shedding a few tears during a personal tribute to friends and family, Sukovaty challenged her classmates to learn from their high school experiences and set lofty goals for the future.
“Our lives are not deteremined by what happens to us,” she noted, “but by how we react to it. We are capable of great things.”
Dan Busch echoed some of those same thoughts during his salutatory address, noting that having the confidence to get up and speak in front of a large crowd is among the many things he gained from his days at Giltner High.
“There is no better place to go to school than Giltner High School,” Busch said.
Part of the Hornet experience, he added, is being part of a supportive community.
“This community is what makes this school,” Busch said. “It would not function as well as it does without the caring and hard-working members of the community.”
As is the custom at Giltner High, the commencement exercises included a senior video highlighting each of the honorees, and a time for personal thanks in which class members sought out friends and family members in the crowd.
Supt. John Poppert then presented the Class of 2008 and school board president Dave Schacht awarded the diplomas to class members Isaac Boyd, Kassidy Burson, Daniel Busch, Bradley Consbruck, Shelby Dodson, Justin Happold, Jacob Harmon, Curtis Ray, Trevor Scheil, Kyle Schroeder, Desiree Sukovaty and Thomas Thies.