Commencement ceremonies held in Fleming following month-long postponement due to COVID-19

Thirteen years of education, followed by an additional month of waiting, finally culminated in commencement ceremonies for the 12-member class of 2020 at Fleming High School. A ceremony originally planned for mid-May was postponed due to COVID-19, but Sunday afternoon, June 14, brought a conclusion for this year's graduating class.

Restrictions in regards to the current pandemic forced the ceremony to be held outside in warm and windy conditions. The class remained light hearted in their celebration despite the many challenges they've faced.

A traditional welcome by Fleming School Superintendent Steve McCracken opened Sunday's presentation. McCracken spoke of the experiences and challenges overcome by the class of 2020. He reminded the group to stay strong and be proud of their accomplishments offering his final words, "the world is yours."

Madilyn Monroe, a member of the class, took the podium to welcome those in attendance. She too spoke of the challenges conquered by the class and thanked the crowd filled with family and friends for joining them on their special day.

Followed by an invocation given by parent Harry Harms, Randy Stahley took the stage to speak on the work ethic and future plans of each graduate. He noted that nearly each member of the class entered the workforce following the forced closure of the school in March.

A brief slideshow was shown on a flat screen television followed by a time for parent appreciation.

Newly hired Principal Kortney Firme introduced the class Salutatorian, Dylan Nolde. Nolde opened his address with appreciation for those in attendance. He relayed his gratitude for the efforts and investments of the school, community and families over the years and gave special thanks to Harry and Lynette Harms.

Nolde noted that he has complete faith in the determination of his classmates. He urged them to chase their dreams and achieve their goals as they each go their separate ways. In closing, Nolde reviewed his classmates' most fond and funny memories of their days at Fleming Schools. In conclusion Nolde noted that the class will no doubt remember the challenges that COVID-19 provided, but will mostly remember the support of those who've impacted their lives.

Valedictorian Brandon Williams took the stage next to speak as the class member with the highest grade point average. He started by stating that the circumstances surrounding this year's graduation seemed par for the course considering that many of this year's graduates were born during a time when the United States faced the challenges and heartaches of 9/11.

He reflected on the closeness of the class; explaining that he considered them not just friends, but extended brothers and sisters. He went on to mention how the group would fight like siblings, but would fiercely protect one another.

Williams listed his school siblings, reminiscing with each about funny memories shared and telling of their future plans. He concluded by addressing them, "Now is the time to take on the world," and closed with a quote about greatness by William Shakespeare.

As each individual's name was announced, they came forward to take their diploma from a table on the stage. They exited the stage to stand front and center for one last photo opportunity and gathered as a whole. After the final name had been read, they filed to the front of the stage where they tossed their caps in celebration of their accomplishments. A parting song of "Here I Go Again On My Own," by Whitesnake played as the crowd dispersed.