Graduation marks years of success for Class of ‘23

“Success” may just be the lone word to collectively sum up Brandon Valley High School’s Class of 2023.

Principal Mark Schlekeway noted the 306-member class achieved success as the highest testing scores class in South Dakota, won multiple state championships and set new standards in fine arts.

“These statements are true for this class, but I believe your greatest successes have come from the legacy that you have left behind after you walk out of these doors today,” he said. 

Their success stories, however, weren’t accomplished without challenges along the way.

“All of you sitting in front of me today have had multiple challenges to overcome. I hope you understand that challenges in life are important,” he said. “I am a big believer that challenges provide us opportunities for amazing personal growth. We may not always think that growth is happening when we are going through it at the time, but in the end, we end up right where we belong.”

Schlekeway told the seniors that he will long remember this class – the first class under his four years as the lead principal – for many reasons. First off, Schlekeway has a framed photo of this class as freshmen. He said the photo will remain on display until he steps down as principal.

He also noted other reasons the Class of 2023 will remain a fixture in his memory.

“I will remember this class for your unselfishness and ability to unite and include,” he said, citing their recent “Give Back Day,” which entailed giving back to the community that has given to them, being the class that helped to bring Hope Squad to life, and their dedication to embracing everyone and each of their own unique gifts they bring to the table.

While the journey they’ve been on together may have a few bumps in the road, Schlekeway hopes the seniors hold onto two lessons that were instilled along the way.

“Perseverance. You learned perseverance when times got tough. You persevered and stayed strong and continue to live for today. Years down the road when life throws you a curve gall, continue to persevere,” he told them.

“Gratitude. Being grateful for the little things in life like going out to eat with friends, giving a parent or grandparent a hug, having a graduation ceremony like today. Living life with a grateful heart allows you to enjoy and appreciate the journey.”

Meredith Guggenmos and Tristan Bisbee both gave reflective and celebratory addresses. Guggenmos said that while graduation marks the end, it also embarks on a new beginning.

“A beautiful beginning full of new opportunities and life experiences,” she said. “Every single one of us has a special, unique journey ahead. Some of us have the next 10 years of that journey perfectly mapped out, while some of us have absolutely no idea what we’re going to do when we walk out of these doors for the last time. … No matter what decision you make, know that you have great worth and purpose in the journey ahead.”

Although they now face the unknown, Guggenmos said, “there’s beauty in the unknown.”

In closing, Guggemos told her peers that they’ve accomplished a great deal together, but said she’s excited to see what they’ll accomplish apart.

“Whatever we do and wherever we go, may we always remember that we had this time together. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the strong sense of community. Thank you for it all.”

Bisbee also offered his thanks, recognizing school administrators, counselors, teachers, coaches, custodial staff, food serve personnel, IT, volunteers, others and finally, his peers, for being “part of the beautiful process of helping to transform our young selves into hardworking, intelligent and generally amazing people dressed in cap and gown today.”

He, too, told his classmates that graduation day starts all of their lives “anew.”

“You have newfound freedom to go out into the world and make an impact unlike anyone else. Today marks the day when dreams start to become reality,” he said.

Looking ahead, Bisbee said he can’t envision a future without his Brandon Valley family without tears welling up in his eyes. 

“But that is the beauty of what we have created in our time here,” he said. … “The future is scary and the thought of possibly being alone in such a big world is daunting, but I am certain that there will be no struggle too steep. I am also certain that our generation of doctors, construction contractors, lawyers, business people, electricians, military personnel, police officers and the endless other professionals awaiting my peers, will have an optimistic effect on a world that can seem rather gloomy if we let it. Consequently, this grand future depends on a strong support system.”

He gave his classmates one last assignment – though it wouldn’t be graded – and that is to go out and make an impact.

“Create the world that you want to see. Don’t live life according to a single path, but instead follow the path that presents itself to you. Or even better, carve out your own path. Don’t be bound by the social norms that our society sets for us, but instead be you by following the direction of your own mind. Stay hungry for the pursuit of a better tomorrow and continue to make the experiences of everyone around you just as amazing as you made mine.”