Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  The Nederland High School Class of 2016 was more than ready to accept their diplomas, throw their caps into the air, and roar into tomorrow. As they marched down the aisle in the gym on Saturday, May 21, to the processional, “Up, Up and Away,” they did not walk solemnly, their heads were high, staring forward into the unknown.

This year’s senior graduates frolicked down that aisle to the future, they jumped into each other’s arms, jumped onto each other’s backs, they did fancy hand dances and high fives, and little happy jigs while they held hands. They were the epitome of celebration, of ecstatic energy.

Some of their huge smiles were dampened by tears, the realization that they were about to leave everything they have known behind, carrying with them a suitcase of nurturing memories and well wishes from an entire community that has grown to love these kids for their cheerful openness, their resilient nature, and their loyalty to one another.

A standing ovation accompanied their walk to the front of the gym, along with camera flashes. They walked to their seats and sat down. The ceremony was beginning. There was no going back.

The NHS Loquations sang our National Anthem, with the senior singers that were graduating. Principal Adam Fels thanked everyone who had taken part in the graduates’ lives. After two years of leading the school, Fels is retiring. “I have been blessed to have you these two years,” he told the seniors. “You are the backbone of student leadership and role models to the rest of the school.”

Fels acknowledged the athletes, scholars, volunteers, drama students, musicians and artists, saying they were the most diverse group of students he has ever known.

“You gained strength in your willingness to embrace each other. You are dark of skin and light of skin and you made each other better. In other schools, diversity has pushed groups apart…not here in Nederland. You bring us together with pride. Each of you can and will contribute to our future…you will push the human race forward.”

Senior Cum Laude student, Layla Theriot, addressed her fellow seniors, telling them they had developed into their goals. She thanked the school community for supporting the Class of 2016 in developing their capabilities. “Some things we loved to learn, but we should be thankful for what we didn’t want to learn. Life is about exploration. We should be thankful to ourselves and not be sad about leaving, we should be proud of us.”

Theriot also told the parents that the graduates would be crawling back to them at some point, “You have taught us how to learn. Now, in 2016, we will become part of the world, but we will always be part of this community.”

Special NHS awards were presented by Principal Fels and counselor Aly Shambo.

The Senior Who Makes a Difference went to Savannah Ames; the Friend of Nederland Award went to Dave Kuechenmeister, and the Jerry Buck Award went to Layla Theriot.

Savannah Ames is viewed by others as a leader, an insightful student, a peer advocate, a meticulous worker, and a kind and empathetic role model. As a leader in the school, she does what it takes to get the job done whether it’s to step in as secretary of the student council, almost single handedly organize Homecoming, or display her photography at the annual Art at Altitude show. She is a quiet, unassuming leader who expects no fanfare. She is a mentor, friend, and leader.

Layla Theriot has the potential for educational success, she is a diligent student who doesn’t settle for good enough. She is impressively organized, managing to take a full course load while pursuing her love of Tae Kwon Do. When she encounters material she enjoys, she comes alive with questions, theories, insights and an overall relentless determination to understand the material from all possible angles. This student is mature and full of drive and has all the raw material for future success.

The Jerry Buck Award of $500 will help Theriot at CSU, where she will major in English.

Dave Kuechenmeister is a parent who has jumped into all aspects of NMSHS life as he supported the school and especially the athletic teams. This award is long overdue for this dedicated and hard-working fan of the school and its students. He relentlessly cooked burgers and hot dogs for the concession stands during games and helped organize many special events. It is parents like him who helped keep the Booster Club alive.

Magna Cum Laude student Jessica Gloe spoke of “Moving Forward.” Gloe spoke of the many opportunities that NMSHS has offered her and said that going to school in Ned had been the best years of her life, even though she has had senioritis since she was a sophomore. She says that now, looking back, she feels she rushed through her years at the school. “We now have shared memories and even though we are scattering from the west coast to the east coast, we will always carry Nederland High School with us.”

Summa Cum Laude Hunter Mayhew quipped to the audience that the Class of 2016 will walk across the stage mentally preparing for their graduation parties. He thanked the school teachers and staff for dealing with him for the past 10 years.

“Our community has always had its arms open to anyone and everyone. A family is not about always liking each other, but about always supporting each other. We have had a unique teaching staff and our relationship with one another resembles more of a friendship than a teacher student relationship. I have no doubt that every graduate is capable of accomplishing whatever he or she wants and will learn from the past.”

In ending, Mayhew told the parents not to be sad that their seniors were leaving but to be grateful for how much money they will save on food.

This year’s commencement address was given by Colleen Harrison, who graduated from NHS in 1997 after attending Nederland schools since kindergarten. She questioned whether or not she was old enough to be speaking to the seniors and decided that she was, being that she is twice their age, but, she told them, they know everything and if they don’t, they can google it.

Harrison grew up in Nederland with parents who worked for Amnesty International, and when she went to CU, she majored in International Affairs. When she was a junior she decided to switch, and became a doctor. She is now practicing in a small town in Montana, where the population is underserved. She is their only access to health care.

“I love my job. The work is challenging but rewarding. After graduation I went to South Africa to teach outdoor adventure in the African bush. I needed to see more of the world before I decided what I wanted to do. I was worried that if I didn’t pause in reflection, I might go in a direction chosen for me.”

She told the graduates that although they are used to cheers and support from their community, that isn’t the case when you enter the world, that the absence of praise can often make one feel doubtful about themselves. Colleen said that in Africa she questioned her self-worth when she realized she needed to consider other people’s challenges and become aware of their needs.

When she became a mother, Colleen also realized that it is important not to judge others, and whatever your experience may be, use it to reach your goals.

The diplomas were presented by Jacob Metzger, the senior class sponsor. Registrar Casey Henrikson put together the senior slide show, pictures of then and now accompanied by songs packed with memories.

“Send Me On My Way,” led the Recessional and then the students and their families, friends, and teachers dug into the 2016 cake, baked by Judy Cole, who has done so for the past 37 years.

Even though technology has changed how we accomplish things, tradition prevails and the Class of 2016 leaves high school nurtured by the past and anticipating the future.