Class of 2023: Nederland High School’s Class of 2023 are all smiles. PHOTO BY SARA SANDSTROM[/caption]

The excitement has been growing all year as Nederland High School’s Class of 2023 has been getting closer and closer to graduation day. May 20, was the day the seniors donned the graduation gown, mortarboard hat, and tassel. One could feel the energy grow in the Nederland Middle Senior High School (NMSHS) gymnasium as family and friends gathered for the graduation ceremony.

As “Pomp and Circumstance” played the Class of 2023 walked in with the audience clapping and phones taking photos. Principal Gavan Goodrich welcomed all who were in attendance to this special day at NMSHS.

The commencement speakers were Wayne Clark and Rovenna Yakubov. Clark had taught these students social studies in seventh and eighth grade. He spoke to them about their kindness and compassion. He also spoke about how the lessons in history can teach us today.

Yakubov is the twelfth grade class sponsor. She knows this class well and immediately said that this is a hard day and a beautiful day. She has always appreciated their inquisitive nature and their honesty. They have brought great joy to her classroom.

Yakubov said, “You have outgrown these hallways.” She wishes them the best as they shine their light and continue their journeys in life.

Five seniors spoke during the graduation. Austin Chareunsouk, Megan Hess, Elise Brodsky, Skylar Abookire and Ande Hammers were the senior class speakers. They spoke of the deep gratitude they have for family, and their classmates. Their appreciation for NMSHS and teachers and staff came shining through as they spoke about their years in the school. Small schools have a unique bond that was clearly felt throughout the ceremony.

The Loquations choir sang a beautiful arrangement of “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles. Then, seniors Skylar Abookire, Ande Hammers, and Annabel Ivey sang “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. They were accompanied by senior Noah Turner on guitar. The musical selections were a delight to hear. The harmonies were pleasing to the ear. They were lovely songs with a message that we need each other and can learn from each other.

Then it was time for the official part of the ceremony. Mr. Goodrich declared that all 29 seniors had met the requirements to graduate from Nederland High School. He did this in the presence of Boulder Valley School District Board of Education President Kathy Gebhardt, Boulder Valley School District Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lora de la Cruz, and Boulder Valley School District Executive Director, Northwest Network, Dr. Francisco “Harvey” Oaxaca.

Cheers erupted in the gymnasium as the graduates were handed their diplomas and shook hands with the guests on the stage. It was that moment these students have looked forward to and they have earned. It is a moment their parents find bittersweet.

Graduation always ends with moving the tassel to the other side of the hat. It is a symbol of transition in one’s life. Then, the ever exciting hat throwing. The thrill of finishing Kindergarten through high school education is before you. Miles, Mackenzie, Sylas, Noah, Lucy, Lucas, Aric, Bella, Beshal, Mason, Maggie, Kennedy, Glen, Penn, Annabel, Megan, Ande, Lucas, Max, Ezekiel, Tyler, Nico, Austin, Hayden, Madalyn, Elise, Presley, Kevin, and Skylar you did it and your community is proud of you!

Congratulations Nederland High School Class of 2023!