The World is Changing...
To the Class of 2020...
BY CHARLOTTE BALL
This year has not ended as anyone would ever have expected. So many things have had to be cancelled or modified, leaving the Senior Class of 2020 feeling as if they are the students everyone will forget. However, it is far from that. From society posting pictures of their own graduations online in support, to putting up graduate yard signs, and pulling out their own prom dresses to have quarantine dances at home, people everywhere have tried to show the Class of 2020 just how special and important they are. This moment in time does not define you. Yes. This year is different than anyone has ever experienced. Yes. These are strange times. Yes. The uncertainty of your future is scary. And yes. The letdown and grief you feel due to missing out on all the things you have gotten to watch previous seniors experience is real. But this does not mean we won’t remember you. Not getting to see you the last two months of what should be a momentous time in your life has been torturous. And yet, you have taught us all some incredible lessons about yourselves. You are strong. You are brave. And most of all, you are resilient. Anyone giving advice to seniors would say these are key characteristics you need as you transition to adulthood. You have all proven to be well on your way. There may be so much uncertainty about what lies ahead, but you have shown us all what it means to have courage. You make Bigfork proud, and rest assured: you will never be forgotten. You are the perfect vision of the future.
Words of Wisdom from BHS Staff
Mark Hansen: "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." ~Fred Devoto. Seniors, I know that 2020 has been very challenging, but I hope that you have grown because of these challenges. Continue on your path to excellence.
Solveig Munson: Enjoy the present and work for the future. In other words, don't be so hung up on "next year" or "when I ______, I will _____". Work your best to enjoy what you are doing RIGHT NOW with one eye fixed on your goals and dreams for your future.
Shannon Varner: Enjoy your time at home and spend time with your family because you will definitely miss them while you're away.
Hans Bodenhamer: When you’re paddling choose a double kayak, you’ll go farther and have more fun, when you’re driving don’t hit anything with a face, and if you lose your cell phone, don’t replace it.
Amber Britt: Think of your Diploma as being a golden ticket for "Tomorrow". A ticket to enjoy the journey and adventures you have ahead of you. This Journey is your time to fulfill your own purpose in life and enjoy it to the fullest. Tomorrow belongs to you so make the best of it!
Natalie Burton: Life is not about the destination, it's about the journey. Never feel like you have to reach a goal by a certain age. Allow yourself to step back and enjoy all the little moments in life, sometimes they are your fondest memories you look back on.
Jodi Carter: Make as many friends as possible. You can do anything as long as you believe. Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.
Mercee Cislo: Life is ultimately made up of small moments so pay attention to the choices that make up those moments.
Josh Feller: Don't compare what you're doing with someone else because you weren't created to do what someone else is doing. You have your race to run, and your goals to achieve, and they may be very different from the person you are comparing yourself to.
Amy Gembala: Work hard and have fun! Don’t forget who you are and who you want to be. Get out and do something fun (don’t hide in your dorm room!).
Vicki Heupel: Listen to others and respond to what they are saying, don't just wait for your turn to talk.
John Hollow: It’s ok at 17-18 years old to not know what you want to do with the rest of your life. Keep learning, exploring, having fun, and learning valuable life lessons!
Lou Jessop: Be present and be patient; life is not a race. When presented with the choice to do something (a hike, a trip, an adventure) or do nothing (stay at home, play video games, take a nap), choose to do something.
Cole Jones: "Why so Serious?" Run away, but we're solving circles / Run away, run away / I dare you to solve something / I'm waiting on you again ~Posty. Good Luck to all the Seniors.
Joy Maicke: When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.
Sue McGregor: Make an effort to grow and cook your own food! It will make your life happier and healthier. Congrats and good luck!
Patrick Munson: “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ~Marcus Aurelius
Christina Nadeau: “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” ~Ziad K. Abdelnour
Matt Porrovecchio: Each of you have the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact each and every day. You don’t have to be famous, powerful or wealthy, you just have to care. What you do matters. What you do can impact generations. Take 10 min and watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo6fBAT8f-s&feature=youtu.be
Melissa Scherfenberg: Be brave enough to try something new.
Robin Shanks: Embrace all opportunities and never fear failure, it is all chances to flourish!
Scarlett Sherman: You think you know, but you have no idea! Stay humble, work hard and be honest; not only with others, but with yourself!
Leslie Stodghill: Fill your life with love, laugh often and live in the moment!
Paula Sullivan: Live each day full of kindness, respect, and laughter. It costs nothing to be kind to one another, and it makes the world a better place. You don't have to be best friends or even know each other to show kindness. Make good choices and most of all enjoy each day and cherish the little things.
Stormy Taylor: Mistakes are not final, learn from them. You are the source of change. Your learning never ends. Connect daily with what gives you strength.
Leanne Tillmann: People often say, "Live life to the fullest", which sounds so cliche. But this is the truest and best advice to give anyone. This means don't be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn. Never take any day, person, or opportunity for granted. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The worst that could happen is that it doesn't work, but when that happens learn from it and move on to the next great thing!
Sam Tudor: Put these on your daily "to-do" list and you'll enjoy life after high school: 1) Work 2) Smile. 3) Do something that scares you.
Randi Tunnell: Don't be afraid to leave. Go somewhere amazing, listen to as much live music as you can! You can always come back! :)
Rhonda White: A moment of patients in a moment of anger can save you hundreds of moments of regret.
Cynthia Wilondek: “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” ~Paulo Coelho
Beau Wielkoszewski: Common sense is anything but common. Nothing in life is free. If you work hard and remember these two tenets, you won't be disappointed when the reality shows itself.
Solveig Munson: Enjoy the present and work for the future. In other words, don't be so hung up on "next year" or "when I ______, I will _____". Work your best to enjoy what you are doing RIGHT NOW with one eye fixed on your goals and dreams for your future.
Shannon Varner: Enjoy your time at home and spend time with your family because you will definitely miss them while you're away.
Hans Bodenhamer: When you’re paddling choose a double kayak, you’ll go farther and have more fun, when you’re driving don’t hit anything with a face, and if you lose your cell phone, don’t replace it.
Amber Britt: Think of your Diploma as being a golden ticket for "Tomorrow". A ticket to enjoy the journey and adventures you have ahead of you. This Journey is your time to fulfill your own purpose in life and enjoy it to the fullest. Tomorrow belongs to you so make the best of it!
Natalie Burton: Life is not about the destination, it's about the journey. Never feel like you have to reach a goal by a certain age. Allow yourself to step back and enjoy all the little moments in life, sometimes they are your fondest memories you look back on.
Jodi Carter: Make as many friends as possible. You can do anything as long as you believe. Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.
Mercee Cislo: Life is ultimately made up of small moments so pay attention to the choices that make up those moments.
Josh Feller: Don't compare what you're doing with someone else because you weren't created to do what someone else is doing. You have your race to run, and your goals to achieve, and they may be very different from the person you are comparing yourself to.
Amy Gembala: Work hard and have fun! Don’t forget who you are and who you want to be. Get out and do something fun (don’t hide in your dorm room!).
Vicki Heupel: Listen to others and respond to what they are saying, don't just wait for your turn to talk.
John Hollow: It’s ok at 17-18 years old to not know what you want to do with the rest of your life. Keep learning, exploring, having fun, and learning valuable life lessons!
Lou Jessop: Be present and be patient; life is not a race. When presented with the choice to do something (a hike, a trip, an adventure) or do nothing (stay at home, play video games, take a nap), choose to do something.
Cole Jones: "Why so Serious?" Run away, but we're solving circles / Run away, run away / I dare you to solve something / I'm waiting on you again ~Posty. Good Luck to all the Seniors.
Joy Maicke: When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.
Sue McGregor: Make an effort to grow and cook your own food! It will make your life happier and healthier. Congrats and good luck!
Patrick Munson: “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ~Marcus Aurelius
Christina Nadeau: “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” ~Ziad K. Abdelnour
Matt Porrovecchio: Each of you have the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact each and every day. You don’t have to be famous, powerful or wealthy, you just have to care. What you do matters. What you do can impact generations. Take 10 min and watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo6fBAT8f-s&feature=youtu.be
Melissa Scherfenberg: Be brave enough to try something new.
Robin Shanks: Embrace all opportunities and never fear failure, it is all chances to flourish!
Scarlett Sherman: You think you know, but you have no idea! Stay humble, work hard and be honest; not only with others, but with yourself!
Leslie Stodghill: Fill your life with love, laugh often and live in the moment!
Paula Sullivan: Live each day full of kindness, respect, and laughter. It costs nothing to be kind to one another, and it makes the world a better place. You don't have to be best friends or even know each other to show kindness. Make good choices and most of all enjoy each day and cherish the little things.
Stormy Taylor: Mistakes are not final, learn from them. You are the source of change. Your learning never ends. Connect daily with what gives you strength.
Leanne Tillmann: People often say, "Live life to the fullest", which sounds so cliche. But this is the truest and best advice to give anyone. This means don't be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn. Never take any day, person, or opportunity for granted. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The worst that could happen is that it doesn't work, but when that happens learn from it and move on to the next great thing!
Sam Tudor: Put these on your daily "to-do" list and you'll enjoy life after high school: 1) Work 2) Smile. 3) Do something that scares you.
Randi Tunnell: Don't be afraid to leave. Go somewhere amazing, listen to as much live music as you can! You can always come back! :)
Rhonda White: A moment of patients in a moment of anger can save you hundreds of moments of regret.
Cynthia Wilondek: “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” ~Paulo Coelho
Beau Wielkoszewski: Common sense is anything but common. Nothing in life is free. If you work hard and remember these two tenets, you won't be disappointed when the reality shows itself.