A time for congratulations and change

By Russ Krebs

Fremont Tribune

Sunday was to be a great day for William Poppe.

The Fremont High School senior was set to graduate and had earned at least a cumulative 4.0 grade point average during his four years.

Because of his grades, Poppe also was scheduled to deliver a speech of closing remarks and a thank you to end the ceremony. All students who spoke at the graduation had earned at least a 4.0 GPA.

When he took to the podium, the unthinkable happened. He couldn’t find his speech anywhere.

That didn’t bother Poppe, he just winged it and if you hadn’t witnessed the search for the speech, you wouldn’t have known he didn’t have it.

"I’d like to say congratulations to my classmates," Poppe said. "Try and change some lives and make the world a better place."

He also had some words for teachers, parents and friends.

"Thank you for your support over the years," Poppe said.

At 2 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Field, 292 graduates crossed the stage to pick up their diploma.

Those students have earned more than $3.5 million in scholarships to continue their education.

When she gave opening remarks for the ceremony, graduate Rachel Cottier also thanked teachers, parents and her friends for their support.

"Seniors, we’ve made it," Cottier said. "This is our time, our memories to make."

Matthew Hilgenkamp had a bit of a different message for the packed bleachers.

"I’m confused because everything in my life is changing," Hilgenkamp said, adding that it felt like he had just walked through the old middle school door. "In fact, the entire city is changing. I’m confused because I don’t know where I’m going."

That might not be entirely true.

Hilgenkamp will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall to study business. However, other than that definite plan, he said he’s not quite sure what the future will hold.

"One thing is for certain, you won’t only be competing with those around you," said Superintendent Steve Sexton. "Today it’s not down the road or around the corner, it’s around the world."

The winners of special awards had just been announced prior to Sexton speaking and he congratulated all those who won special awards or scholarships.

"We succeed only for your success," Sexton said.