RRMR High School graduates begin new life journey

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School students savored a defining moment on Sunday afternoon.

For 42 seniors in the 2019 graduating class of RRMR High School, this was their time to shine on the big stage.

RRMR senior Sadie Arickx stood at the podium in the Warrior gymnasium and outlined the hopes and dreams that her fellow classmates were able to achieve, and the struggles they were able to overcome.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations,” said Arickx.

“Then I thought, isn’t this the perfect quote for where our lives are at right now,” she said. “We’re graduating – right now.”

Arickx’s speech was titled “Prequel: The End.” Her speech lamented that although new beginnings are on the horizon for all who graduated, the last hurdle crossed as a high schooler is the final page in a chapter filled with wonderful stories.

“Everyone says this is the start of something, not the end,” said Arickx. “I’ve heard that line in almost every single graduation I’ve ever been to. Personally, I disagree. This is the end of something. That’s why we’re all here. We did it. High school is officially over.”

RRMR Principal Nick Johnson said the 40-plus students who earned a diploma on Sunday are part of one of the larger graduating classes at the small school located in Rockford. He said there will be around 24 students who are expected to graduate next year.

“We’ve got a great group of kids. Truly, it’s about starting them on their life’s journey,” said Johnson.

A large crowd of family and friends came to recognize each student’s achievement, and Johnson spoke about the young students experiencing setbacks and pushing through to achieve one of their most important life goals.

“This is the place where kids can celebrate successes and can fail and people will pick you up,” he said.

Senior Maggie Hain also spoke during the graduation about her time at RRMR in a speech called “Bittersweet.” Kiara Nelson, another RRMR 2019 grad, addressed the audience members with her “Home” speech. Fellow Warrior senior Jamie Schuster’s speech was titled, “Make That Mistake.”

Schuster read a life quote from famed writer and author of the “Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

“For what it’s worth, it’s never too late, or in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope we make the best of it,” said Schuster.

Johnson said, “A couple kids, their speeches, put an exclamation point on what high school is. It’s not only the classes that you go through or the activities that you do or the book report that you do or the exam that you take. It’s learning how to work with people and learning about yourself.”

Fifteen students achieved a GPA of over 3.5 and made the honor roll for their collective efforts in the four years they attended RRMR: Arickx, John Fullerton, Jorgensen, Blain Larson, Rebecca Linde, Jared Marth, Abby Murray, Nelson, Alana Noss, Jenna Paulus, Rooney, Schuster, Jacob Staudt, Jacob Stokes and Morgan Thieman.

Jayden Jorgensen and Max Rooney were the class valedictorians.

“I think what we’ll remember most about this class is the intelligence throughout. This group is a very smart, intelligent group of young men and women,” said Johnson. “We look forward to seeing the great things that they’re going to accomplish after high school.”