Graduation day celebrated in Onaway for 35 seniors
by Peter Jakey–
Managing Editor
The 35 members of the Onaway High School’s (OHS) Class of 2026 walked across the stage and received their diplomas during the annual commencement exercise, May 14, in front of family, friends and members of the community.
There were tears, smiles and laughter during the one-hour plus graduation ceremony in the high school gym.
OHS band members, under the direction of director Katie Doud, ushered in the seniors to the familiar notes of “Pomp and Circumstance,” entering the gym under flower arches held up by soon-to-be seniors on each side of the gym.
When all the graduates-to-be were seated in the three rows in front of the stage, principal Bryan Pyle and superintendent Shaun Jordan provided opening remarks before turning it over to the top four students, starting with honor student Benjamin Hendrickson, who said he was terrified of being the new kid when he came to Onaway Area Community Schools, but found comfort in the circle of friends he made.
“I didn’t grow up with all of you,” Hendrickson said at the podium. “I didn’t share the same elementary teachers or the same early memories, but I hope I added a few funny moments that you’ll look back on and laugh about.”
He commended his mother for being his “great supporter”…”whether I’m stressed about a paper due or just need someone to be there, my mom has always known what to do.”
Salutatorian Lillyann Cooksey said she was proud to be addressing the Class of 2026 as the second-highest ranking student and waited until the last minute to write the speech.
“If you know me, you know I procrastinate everything,” she said. “In my opinion, some of my best work is done under pressure, like the seven-page paper I wrote in a day at my cross-country meet, after I finished my race.”
Cooksey, who will remember the countless memories made with classmates, thanked staff members, but spent much of her time sharing her thoughts about her supportive family.
“Mom, you are the strongest person I know,” Cooksey said. “The woman who has shaped me into the person I am today.” For dad, “I would’ve survived high school without your constant support…I love all of you.
“To the Class of 2026, thank you for the memories, good and bad, the laughter, chaos, and every moment that made these past four years unforgettable.”
Co-valedictorian Jonas Benson told classmates to not live in fear.
“When you are that afraid of something, it shows, and you will start to look like a zombie,” said Benson. “You will stop doing the things you used to enjoy doing. But you can’t make your life centered around trying to keep that fear at bay. You need to find a way to get out and face it. This is why those people holding your trust is so important.”
Benson wanted to give many thanks to his family, “But the biggest thanks I have to give is to those select few who never gave up on me. Always remember to surround yourself with a few people who know who you are and will fight for you even when you don’t feel like fighting for yourself.”
Like the speakers before her, fellow co-valedictorian Meredith Horn had a long list of people to express a sincere appreciation to.
“It’s only appropriate that I thank my mom and dad first, just as they put me first all these years,” said Horn.
She went through a list of staff members, but waxed poetically about her time in band for “the best friendships and motivating me every day. I love you all endlessly and promise to come back to watch your performances whenever.
“Finally, thank you to Ms. Doud for supporting me, teaching me what it means to be a leader, and being my mentor for the past few years.”
As Horn went on, she said that writing her graduation speech as the daughter of a former administrator was very difficult.
“My time in Onaway has taught me so much. but I struggled to put it into real words,” said Horn. “I’ve learned that there truly is love and support to be found everywhere…I
“Many of you recognize me as my mother’s daughter. You know me through my family and our history across generations in this town. There is something to be said about the fear that comes with knowing you’re being permanently watched by a community of people who don’t actually have any idea who you are aside from who you came from.”
At the conclusion of Horn’s speech, she congratulated the Class of 2026. “May we all show them what we’re really capable of,” said Horn.
Pyle had the seniors turn their tassels, and when cued by the school fight song, the new graduates marched out to the front lawn of the school for photos, hugs and their first steps towards new beginnings.
