Arlee seniors challenged to give back while moving forward
Arlee senior Halle Adams receives her diploma from principal Cory Beckham on Sunday. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Family consumer and science teacher Leslie Jackson delivers the keynote speech during Arlee High School's graduation ceremony Sunday. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Students handed out roses to thank those who have supported them along the way. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Arlee High School's graduation ceremony Sunday. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Salutatorian Colt Crawford addresses his classmates. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Arlee High School's graduation ceremony Sunday. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Arlee Superintendent Mike Perry welcomes students and the audience to the 2021 Arlee High School graduation ceremony. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Arlee valedictorian Isabelle Pape addresses the class of 2021 on Sunday. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
ARLEE — Remember, you’ll always be a role model. Be the man, woman, parent, child, teacher, student that you’ve always needed.
That was the message from Arlee science teacher Leslie Jackson, who delivered the keynote address Sunday as 22 Arlee High School seniors received their diplomas during an outdoor graduation ceremony at the school.
Students celebrated the opportunity to come together. The school used remote learning exclusively for the first half of the school year, so they rarely got to see one another in person during their senior year.
Valedictorian Isabelle Pape, who came to the school during her junior year, thanked her classmates for welcoming her and allowing her to be herself.
“I am so proud to be a graduate of Arlee High School,” she said during her address.
Salutatorian Colt Crawford reminded his classmates to be grateful for the support system all around them and, on behalf of the class of 2021, thanked those who keep the school running.
Jackson reminded the seniors that many people, including several in the audience Sunday, volunteered countless hours for activities large and small to support their education.
“Find something you enjoy and do your best to return that favor,” she said.
The event included a rose ceremony, during which seniors left their seats to hand out roses to those in the audience who have supported them along the way.
