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Big Foot grads look to the future

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WALWORTH — When most of Big Foot High School's graduating seniors start college this fall, Devin Boss will be four weeks into rigorous boot camp exercises in Georgia's sweltering heat.

Enlisting with the U.S. Army is a lifelong dream, he said after his graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon at the school. Boss was individually recognized during the event for his commitment to his country, receiving a standing ovation from 102 other graduates, faculty and the hundreds of parents and family members.

"When I was 8, I just decided to join," said Boss, acknowledging the decision came as easy as walking across the stage to receive his diploma.

Boss leaves in July to begin basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. That is expected to last about 14 weeks.

Boss is one of many students looking forward to their new lives away from high school, and most of those paths cross through college. A majority of students plan to earn their college degrees in Wisconsin, while others will leave for places such as Indiana or Texas.

It's not something you hear often, but high school flew by, valedictorian Jordan Gottman said. Gottman and salutatorian Angela Kinerk were the student speakers. They were joined by the school band and senior vocal ensemble, which sang Roger Emerson's "I'll Be There."

"We have all heard the old saying, 'You can't judge a book by its cover,'" Gottman said during his speech. "I believe this is a perfect phrase that describes our class. While some may say our class is not the smartest or best-behaved class to pass through the halls of Big Foot High School, we have still left our mark behind.

"We also have successfully avoided the first door from being slammed in our face," he said to laughter from the audience.

Kinerk asked her fellow seniors to take in the moment and look back at those who helped them get where they are today.

That included family and the school's teachers.

"Although everyone in this class has different talents and different interests, we've always known how to have fun … That kind of attitude is what makes school fun without taking away from our education," Kinerk said.

The graduates celebrated by dousing one another with Silly String as parents flashed cameras and applauded the students' accomplishments.