Sunday, May 22, 2022, was the day that Principal Mark Sibley declared, before the Boulder Valley School District’s Board of Education, that Nederland High School’s Class of 2022 has met all requirements to graduate in the State of Colorado. They were presented with their diplomas as their parents, grandparents, families, friends, and teachers proudly looked on.

As in all graduation ceremonies the event started with the graduates walking onto the field with “Pomp and Circumstance” playing. A song that reminds us all of our own graduations. Mr. Sibley welcomed the crowd. He thanked everyone for welcoming him to Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) for the year that he has been serving as interim principal. He said he learned a lot coming from a large school to a small school and he loved his year in Nederland. He hopes the graduates embrace the changes coming in their lives like he did when he came to NMSHS.

The Commencement Address speakers were current NMSHS teacher Kelly Strong and former NMSHS teacher Wayne Clark. Being two history teachers they quoted and used examples from the lives of Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to encourage the graduates in their own lives. They told them that it is okay to be scared, but have courage and stand up for the things that matter to you. Push the boundaries. Make new friends and try new things.

Seniors graduate from Nederland High School Above; The senior class from Nederland Middle-Senior High School are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives, always carrying a piece of Nederland in their hearts. Bottom; The Nederland Panther’s Class of 2022 throw their hats in the air at the end of the graduation ceremony. PHOTOS BY SARA SANDSTROM[/caption]

Strong and Clark reminded the senior class that they are strong mountain kids. They are resilient and have overcome obstacles with grace and will continue to do so in their lives. Clark said, “You are kind-hearted, driven, amazing, you have spunk, and grit. You give me hope. Keep those traits.”

Strong added with a big smile, “You are a cool group of humans. Remember to follow your own path.”

A Graduate Address was also given by seniors Ivy Brundege and Natalie Taylor. Many of the graduates have been in school together since kindergarten. Brundege and Taylor talked about some of the adventures they have had as a class through all the years from kindergarten to their senior year. They expressed gratitude for the mentors they have had through the years. They talked about how some changes have been difficult like the number of principals they have had at NMSHS, and how tough it was to be in high school during Covid.

It’s graduation day! Above, left; After receiving his diploma Charlie Rawlins shakes hands with Principal Mark Sibley. Above, right; Graduate Chase Snyder celebrates after the ceremony. Bottom, right; Eirwen McClish, Takira Weise and Madi Brewer are now graduates of Nederland High School.[/caption]

Taylor and Brundege spoke of the wonderful connections and meaningful friendships they have within their class and with students in other classes because of the size of NMSHS. A community like NMSHS and a community like Nederland lends itself to form strong connections. They said that the senior class is ready to move on…with a piece of Nederland in their hearts.

With diplomas in hand and this huge milestone in their lives reached the graduates moved their tassels and threw their hats in the air to cheers and applause. Takira, Zach, Natalie, Chase, Charlie, Kyler, Zach, Ben, Mia, Eirwen, Bella, Rowan, Marina, Sara, Logan, Dagan, Ivy, Madi, Skylee, Townes, Haylie, and Joey no matter where you go always hold a piece of Nederland in your hearts. We are rooting for you!