Tears and laughter at South Hamilton graduation

By Troy Banning — Daily Freeman-Journal Sports Editor
JEWELL – The South Hamilton High School family of graduates increased by 65 members on Sunday afternoon.

The Class of 2008 was honored during the commencement ceremony inside the SHHS gymnasium. There was laughter and there were tears shed before the diplomas were handed out to a happy bunch of graduates.

South Hamilton board of education president Dave Carlson and Superintendent Lyle Schwartz welcomed the large crowd and handed out the academic awards before senior class vice-president Kristen Granzow introduced the keynote speakers – classmates Matt Oakland and senior class president Andrew Follmann.

Oakland and Follmann both spent several minutes telling tales about their classmates during their years at South Hamilton. Their words drew many laughs and several bouts of applause.

Following two songs from the South Hamilton choir, high school principal Jacy Large presented the class as Carlson handed out the diplomas.

The recessional featured all 65 class members throwing their caps high into the sunny sky just outside the gym doors.

Junior class president Bethany Olson and junior class treasurer Nathan Johnston served as the junior escorts.