Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  For most of their lives, the senior students have worked toward the light at the end of the tunnel, have seen it glow brighter and brighter, watched it come closer and closer with each step they took, moving forward out of the past.

On Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, Nederland High School graduates stepped into that light, their future, their life after high school. They’ve had joy and tears along the way, but they always knew they would reach their goals. When they marched down the aisle, through the throng of parents, friends, teachers and mentors, they held their heads high, looking straight ahead, as applause fell on their shoulders, their caps, and followed them to their seats at the front of the gymnasium.

That moment was the door and they walked through it with pride and confidence.

The Class of 2018 flew through their years at NHS on wings of talent and determination. They made their hard work in music and theater, in robotics, in government and sports look easy; because these students enjoyed what they accomplished in the hallowed halls. These kids had fun; they were mischievous and kind, energetic and thoughtful.

On Friday, before graduation, the seniors met at the Nederland Elementary School, donned in caps and gowns, and made a run through the school halls, through a gauntlet of children, their eyes wide with admiration, who gave the seniors a high five. The young students watched the seniors hanging onto their caps, their gowns blowing in the breeze they made, and knew they too, would someday be big, smart and heading to the light at the end of the tunnel.

NMSHS principal Carrie Yantzer welcomed everyone, saying it was hard to let them go to find their place in the world. Announcing a change in the program schedule, Principal Yantzer handed senior Sarah Davidson her diploma because Sarah was competing in the state championship track meet and had to leave early. Sarah was also named The Senior Who Makes a Difference, for her commitment to the school, her years of sports involvement, government and as a role model.

“We didn’t want Sarah to have to choose between the state meet and graduation,” said principal Yantzer.

She then presented the Friends of Nederland to Theresa Bradley, a parent who has been a loyal advocate for all students and for the school. She is always positive and passionate about each and every student and if there is anything that needs to get done, she does it.

Seniors Mazie Pancoast, Hayley Turner and Hattie Bakke performed “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. William Culver sang “The Start of Our Lives” and the high school orchestra played, “Stairway to Heaven.”

The commencement address was given by former NES teachers Carrie Howell and Kim Sorrell who team taught the graduates when they were third graders. Describing the students as a “phenomenal group of learners,” Howell said she loved teaching them.

She told the graduates that they will always have the love of the community to fall back on, that Nederland is a special place they can call home, that it helped shape who they are today.

“Turn to those you love; don’t be afraid to ask for help when life is overwhelming. There is always someone to take your hand if you reach out.”

Principal Yantzer told the graduates that they were beginning a life of greatness in a complex world of Amazon and Uber.

“Each of you are amazing pieces of the puzzle. You are in a unique position to occupy that piece of the world.

Be patient, take you time and wait for the pieces of your life to come together.”

Diplomas were presented by teachers Theresa Redmon and Mark Mabbett. The Class of 2018 was presented to the crowd, the tassels were switched from one side to the other and then the caps were tossed into the air.

The lights dimmed as the slideshow began and the students watched moments of their past, caught in time, flashing across the screen.

Those moments will form their foundation, giving them strength as they move forward into the bright lights of the world beyond the Panther’s den.

What they will do...

Ian Dunham: University of Northern Colorado

Alexander Eggleston: Transitions Center to learn career skills

Sierra Stevens: CU Boulder

Sarah Davidson: CSU

William Culver: School of Mines

Dylan Cantrell: George Washington University’

Sawyer Bass: Front Range Community College

Sommyr Bass: Front Range Community College

Octavio Lopez: Work Force

Dusty Morgan: Working for Premier Earthworks and Infrastructure

Jaylen Mendez: United States Marine Corps

Jarod Rasdall: United States Marine Corps

Sofie Anderson: Colorado Mesa University

Mazie Pancoast: Colorado Mesa University

Hayley Turner: Randolph Macon College

Hattie Bakke: Western Washington University

Linnaea Thibedeau: Front Range Community College

Karen Sorokach: CSU

Anna Yutzy: Red Rocks Community College

Marley Hall: travel Europe, then Front Range Community College

Bastien Breche: Front Range Community College

(Originally published in the May 24, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)