pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
Thursday, May 30, 2019
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CONGRATULATIONS class of
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Submitted Photo
The Pequot Lakes High School class of 2019.
EMBRACE THE FEAR OF NOT KNOWING WHAT’S AHEAD
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By Evan Mykkanen Pequot Lakes Senior Class President
hen I was younger, around 11 years old, I got my first cell phone. At the time, my world was carefree and the only thing I had to worry about was when I could see my friends next. So naturally I used my new cell phone partially as a toy instead of a way to communicate with my parents as they intended. So when I found out how to change my voicemail, I figured I would have a little fun with it. Someone would call and on the occasion that I didn’t answer (which was about 90 percent of the time), they would hear my squeaky little voice say,
“Hello,” which would then be followed by silence for roughly five seconds, just enough time for the caller to begin the conversation. After the caller began talking they would soon be interrupted by my voice, which would be the turning point of the phone call. Whoever had called me would hear me say, “I’m just kidding, this is a voicemail,” followed by a giddy, kiddish chuckle. Typically at this point, what was left was a carefree young Evan and most commonly an angry mother. Some time had passed and I made the realization that this voicemail might not leave the best impression for those more important phone calls I’d be receiving. The day I had finally changed that voicemail
PEQUOT LAKES: Page S7
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Pequot Lakes Class President Evan Mykkanen shares his thoughts on maturing and the unexpected things to come with his fellow graduates Friday, May 24.
THANK YOU, PINE RIVERBACKUS, FOR RAISING US
Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
Pine River-Backus valedictorian Torry Hirschey and salutatorian Emma Templeton share the senior class welcome speech.
Submitted Photo
The Pine River-Backus class of 2019. By Torry Hirschey and Emma Templeton PR-B Valedictorian and Salutatorian
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here are way too m a n y people to thank, and Mr. Halverson said this had to be under five minutes, so unfortunately, we’re probably not going to get everybody.
First of all, thank you to our teachers and faculty. You guys have quite literally taught us basically everything that we know. You’ve filled our minds to the brim with knowledge. You’ve helped us grow and taught us lessons that we will keep in mind for the rest of our lives. Too often, we give you all a hard time, but keeping things in perspective, we know that you try your best. So thank you.
Next, thank you to the coaches. Unfortunately, not all of these graduates have had the opportunity to be coached by you guys. Walking through these halls, I have heard a lot of criticism of our sports programs and our coaches, but I feel that a lot of people don’t understand the value they have. Personally, I have learned just as much from my coaches that I have from my teachers. That’s
not a knock on the teachers, because they’ve been nothing short of amazing, but rather an emphasis on the impact that my coaches have had on my life. Lastly, we thank our families. We have spent the last 12 years working hard to achieve what we thought was most important: academics, sports, music, fun and many other things. For some of us, this has been a long, painful journey, but at the
end of the day, our families are there for us and support us. The teenage years are filled with sarcasm and poor attitudes, and it’s pretty amazing that our parents manage to put up with us. They deserve so much credit, and often don’t get enough. We love you guys, and your support means the world to us. We would be nowhere without you. So many of us have gone through different things, whether it’s loss, anxiety, relationship problems, tests, essays, college applications, or super long final projects ... *cough* Mrs. Lindholm! I know all of us have carried a lot of stress with us throughout the years,
and now that we’re graduating, there’s been at least a little weight lifted off of our shoulders. Honestly, growing up is hard, and we’re not even completely there yet. It’s funny to hear ninth graders in the hallway complaining about homework. They have no idea what’s coming in the next few years, that’s for sure. It’s all part of the genuine high school experience though. I’ve also learned that complaining about the work in class doesn’t get you anywhere at all. So all of you students out there, just let the teachers do their thing. We had to do it, and it’ll be your turn soon enough, and before
PR-B: Page S7
ews CLASSNOF 2019
pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
Thursday, May 30, 2019
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BE PRESENT IN YOUR LIFE, AND CHERISH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
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By Nicole Young Pequot Lakes High School Senior
ello, class of 2019, friends and family. Here we are at the end of our long journey, but for many of us, it is the beginning of an even greater one. For 12 years we have grown accustomed to the everyday rhythm of school routines and at times this has caused us to simply go through the motions rather than to live fully in each moment. I am especially guilty of this. Right before entering senior year my perspective on things really shifted. It was then that I noticed I wasn’t being present in conversations or even in the things I enjoyed doing, causing me to under-appreciate them. I let a busy schedule dictate where my attention was instead of dedicating it to what mattered. I began to recognize this year would bring forth a bunch of lasts and I didn’t want them to fly by without meaning. This brought on the realization that nothing else should matter besides how I chose to live in the short time that I had left. How did I want to treat the people that I cared about and what did I have to change to get my focus there? This particular outlook didn’t come easily and I’m still challenged by it every day. My hope is that for the rest of our days here before we venture out into the world, each one of you will take the time to be present in your life. I hope you take time to grow in yourself, find what you love and that this habit will continue into your future. Cherish your family and friends this summer. They are the ones who helped shape your character, your views and your aspirations. Who we are today is a foundation for who we are going to be in the future and they played a huge role in the making of that. So slow down and be with them. Thank your teachers and coaches tonight for all they have taught you. Even though at times it was stress-
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Nicole Young reminds her fellow 2019 Pequot Lakes graduates to cherish the teachers, coaches, family and friends who have helped them along the way in her senior address Friday, May 24.
“ This brought on the realization that nothing else should matter besides how I chose to live in the short time that I had left.” ful, mostly from your own doing, they always pushed you to be the best you could be. Cherish your family for being there through your highs and lows and supporting you no matter what. Through your mistakes they believed in you and that unconditional love should not go
unnoticed. And last but not least, cherish your friends. If you have friends anything like mine you know how much they are like family, maybe even a little closer, because they chose you when they didn’t have to. I wouldn’t have wanted to experience high school with anyone
else, which is what makes this goodbye so hard. For what it’s worth, I hope you come 326 things W. Laurel St. than I to realize all those sooner Brainerd, MNwith these did. I hope you’ll be present blocksabout Souththem, of Walgreens) people and not(3forget or yourself, after you leave this place. I love you guys and thank you.
Laurie Hall
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Thursday, May 30, 2019
CLASS OF 2019 CAN TAKE AWAY A LOT OF FUNNY MEMORIES By Josh Lelwica and Marcus Klein Pequot Lakes High School Seniors JOSH: Well, first things first. We need a selfie. MARCUS: Josh, that’s a wrap, goodbye high school. JOSH: No more listening to Thorson’s dad jokes and Roepke’s laugh that sounds like Luke Ryan trying to start his truck. MARCUS: As many of our peers know, I haven’t lived in the Pequot Lakes area very long. So fill me in on what went on in school the first eight years at Pequot Lakes. JOSH: Well, to kick it off, when we were all in kindergarten, Sean Ryan tried to use the faucet to wash his hands in the back of the room. MARCUS: Oh, this should be good. Keep going. JOSH: As soon as he turned the faucet on, a stream of water shot up to the ceiling. I’m not kidding you guys, that was the most scared I had been that year. I think they let us play games and gave us juice boxes the rest of the day so we wouldn’t have nightmares. Fast forwarding to fourth grade, someone put a rock in Mr. Eggert’s sink, and the entire class missed recess for two weeks. Guys, if anyone here did it, you should fess up now. MARCUS: Sounds like Mr. Eggert got EGGShausted with dealing with you guys. JOSH: In fifth grade we had a flash mob in front of the entire elementary school to Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite.” I was told that Mr. Fischer had it on video somewhere, but I don’t think that ever saw the light of day. MARCUS: I bet you guys LIT the place up - ha ha, get it? JOSH: Marcus, enough with the puns, that’s Zach Bauer’s job. One day in Mrs. McKenna’s class when taking attendance, James said “spew” instead of “here.” Mrs. Mckenna gave James a dreadful check in his assignment book. MARCUS: Oh, was luxury lane in spew? JOSH: The day after, when taking attendance, he gave the definition for spew, being sexy professional exotic wrestling. I’m still confused to this day why he did it, but I laugh every time I hear it. We went to Ski Gull. Someone ran into Kasey at full speed down the steepest
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Josh Lelwica (left) and Marcus Klein remind the Pequot Lakes class of 2019 of the fun and off-beat times they have had in the past 12 years within the Pequot Lakes School District. hill and blew him up. Maybe that’s why he’s a little slow nowadays, or maybe it was when Mr. Lumley “gave him the dark one” and ended his baseball career by hitting him square in the head with a baseball at practice. I think all the football boys back in eighth grade can remember when Justin Bieber walked into practice. MARCUS: No way! Justin Bieber? JOSH: No, not actually him. MARCUS: Oh, well then who was it? JOSH: Well, it was you Marcus. You had the same hair. Too bad you shaved your head later that year. MARCUS: Yeah, I just wanted to follow in Mr. Spray’s footsteps. JOSH: What about you, Marcus? What are your fondest memories from Pequot? MARCUS: Well, Josh, I remember my ninth grade year in Mrs. Smith’s science
class when everyone in class would hide and lay down on the ground very quietly. The first time we really got Mrs. Smith, but after that she started to catch on. JOSH: I know that it was always entertaining to see you get kicked out of Mrs. Maas’ class. MARCUS: Yeah, she reallllyyy liked me (wink). Ask.fm was a real hoot. Remember flaming Pequot? Sean got called a dinosaur and there was Molly’s ultimate roast to Sam, although we aren’t allowed to say what exactly was said. JOSH: What about homecoming and Snow Daze? MARCUS: I can’t forget being the volleyball champs Snow Daze week. We showed the class of 2018 who’s boss. We thought we would for sure win our junior and senior year but that didn’t go our
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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! 2019
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way, sadly. JOSH: What was your most memorable part of senior year, Marcus? MARCUS: Well, definitely during our senior prank. (Josh starts tapping Marcus and motions for him to shut up.) What, Josh? I was just going to say when we Saran Wrapped Mr. Nelson’s and Officer Franz’s car. Thanks for being good sports, guys. What was your favorite part of senior year, Josh? JOSH: Probably all the long hard hours in the library studyi … oh, wait. MARCUS: Everybody, this has been a true ride. This class is going to be missed and I’m going to miss all of you. JOSH: The world is ours for the taking everyone, all we’ve got to do is reach out and grab it. Senior class of 2019, let’s get this bread. Thank you.
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ews CLASSNOF 2019
pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
Thursday, May 30, 2019
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FOLLOW YOUR PASSION AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR PURPOSE
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By Janice Oakley PR-B Math Teacher
ood evening and welcome to family, friends, students, colleagues and to the class of 2019! I am honored to deliver this farewell address to the graduating class of 2019. Today, May 24, is a day of joy, particularly for the graduating students, their parents and guardians, and to all those who have helped them get to where they are today. PURPOSE. Like many of you, at the end of my senior year, I had already decided on my purpose in life and the path I was going to take to get there. I had decided on a major, completed my degree and reached my goal of pursuing the career I had worked so hard to get. Once I began working in that chosen field, which I had gone to school for and spent all my time and money on, I realized that this was not what I was truly happy doing. This was not my purpose in life; I felt that there was something more out there for me. COURAGE. It took courage to decide that I was going to change careers; however, having the courage to start meant that I had the courage to succeed. I then decided to pursue something that I knew would fulfill that void I had felt from my first career, and I went back to school for education. I did this later in life, so I was a nontraditional student. I was way older than most of the students around me; however, my passion fueled my purpose, and my choice gave me the chance to change. The reason that I am mentioning this to you now is because I took a risk, followed my heart, worked hard against all of the conventional obstacles, and now, I can truly say that I love my job. If you follow your passion, you will find your purpose; dreams do not have an expiration date. My passion led me to my purpose:
Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
Pine River-Backus graduates listen to the faculty address by math teacher Janice Oakley. Teaching students. I love teaching students. It brings me joy, and so I am saying to all of you: Find something that brings you joy, do what makes you happy - follow that dream, even if it means starting over again, and again. I can promise you that it will not always be easy, but it will be worth it! As you move towards your goals, remember to keep your life balanced. Getting what you want out of life is not always as easy as it seems, but try to remember to live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and then remember to do what makes your truly happy. Work and play every single day. Don’t just survive, but truly live. Live a life that you are proud of. As you go off into this great and wondrous world, there will be times that are difficult and trying; work
through those times and know that there are far better things ahead than those we leave behind. And so the adventure begins. Be aware of wonder, for wonder is the beginning of wisdom. Always be aware of the beauty that surrounds you. Whether it is the new people that you will meet, the new concepts that you will learn, or the new places that you will journey to, open your mind and your heart, and get as much out of these new experiences as you possibly can. Train your mind to see the good; the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts, and when life gets blurry, which it is bound to do, adjust your focus and try again. Don’t be afraid to fail. For every failure, there are secret opportunities hid-
Congratulations to all 2019 Graduates!
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den within, which are just waiting for you to learn from. Understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, but rather it is a part of success. Every senior class has a “vibe.” Some senior classes are serious, some are funny. The class of 2019 has a “vibe” too. To me, the class of 2019 seems to have a “do your own thing” vibe; you are all very independent people, which is why I am not worried about you following your own path once you leave here today. Each of you has been doing just that, every day, here at PR-B. We will miss you all - but at the same time, we are ready to see each of you go out and make your own unique mark on the world. Mae West said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
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WAY TO GO GRADUATES!
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a salute to the class of
2019
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1389 State Hwy 84 SW
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Congratulations Class of 2019
Hackensack Lumber & Hardware
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Bill, Tyler, Justin, & Rene Sawyer
GARDINER’S HARDWARE & FURNITURE 587-2585 Downtown Pine River
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from Bud!
31067 Front Street, Pequot Lakes | 218-568-4695
Best Wishes Graduates! Fair Dates: July 30 August 3
Brainerd / Baxter (218) 829 -4759 • www.holdenelectric.com
… s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C
TO ALL THE GRADUATES!
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PO Box 361, Brainerd, MN 56401 Backus, MN
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ews CLASSNOF 2019
pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
Thursday, May 30, 2019
5
PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS LISTED The following scholarships were awarded to Pine River-Backus seniors Wednesday, May 22:
Class of
2019
Dr. Jaime L. Preble, DDS
Earl & Violet Fenton Health Scholarship: $500 to Jada Olivier, Gabby Rainwater. Eradelphian Club: $1,000 to Caitlin Swenson. Elizabeth Reighard & Calvin Fillings: $500 to Nathaniel Wosmek. Faith Lutheran Church Swanburg: $1,500 to Suzanne Redding. Fine Arts Scholarship: $250 to Meghan Jarvi. GE Henderson: $100 to David Erickson, Lydia Crawford, Meghan Jarvi, Payten Weiderman, Alyssa Semmler. Good Citizenship Scholarship: $250 to Torry Hirschey. Gordon & Velva Marshall Scholarship: $1,000 to Bailey Wynn, Jada Olivier, Suzanne Redding, Gabby Heck, Emma Templeton. John Geary Memorial/Pine River Fire Department: $300 to Caitlin Swenson, Austin Beavers. Hackensack Legion Auxiliary Unit #202: $500 to Gabby Rainwater. Heather & Kelly Sigler Memorial: $1,000 to Gabby Rainwater. Helen Ruth Scholarship: $1,000 to Caitlin Swenson; $500 to Meghan Jarvi. Lakers Lions Scholarship: $1,000 to Nathaniel Wosmek. Longville Lions: $500 to Bailey Wynn. Lutheran Community Foundation: $1,000 to Lydia Crawford, Suzanne Redding, Madison Abraham, Joe Merritt. Mary Felton/Order of the Eastern Star: $500 to
PR-B SCHOLARSHIPS: Page S7
Congratulations Graduates! 40 Years In Business
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P.O. Box 650 • 203 Park Ave, Pine River, MN 56474
692-5447 9:30am-5pm Mon.-Sat. Crosslake Town Square www.lakesareagallery.com
Congratulations Class of 2019!
CONGRATULATIONS 2019 GRADUATES
218-587-4154 • 309 Barclay Ave. Pine River
Congratulations Graduates Class of 2019!
Number of graduates: 55, including seven graduates who completed Bridges Career Academy courses, four who earned an Associate of Arts degree from Central Lakes College in Brainerd and three National Honor Society graduates. High Honors graduates (3.75 GPA and above): Torry Hirschey, Joseph Merritt, Shayna Moore, Paetyn Naffziger, Gabriell Rainwater, Emma Templeton, Bailey Wynn. Honors graduates (3.6-3.7499 GPA): Lydia Crawford and Nathaniel Wosmek. Class colors: Navy blue, white, gold. Class flower: Tiger lily.
PR-B INFORMATION: Page S7
Store Hours: Monday 9 to 4, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 to 5, Friday 9 to 4, Saturday 9 to noon. Open anytime by appointment. all major credit cards
Wishing you success, Graduates of 2019!
Mark Sherman, DDS and Matthew Rindal, DDS
218-568-8295
31011 Rasmussen Rd. • Pequot Lakes, MN www.pequotlakesdentalcenter.com
Congratulations Graduates!
Rolf Moen, D.D.S. Jeff Mattson, D.D.S. Jenna Ude, D.D.S.
We wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
Congratulations
Home Care and Hospice by KNUT E NELSON
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Graduates!
Lutheran Church (WELS) and Preschool
Karl F. Skog
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING “Serving The Area Since 1974”
PINE RIVER-BACKUS HIGH S C H O O L C L A S S O F 2019
Class song: “Life Changes” by Thomas Rhett.
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Alan Fields/Class of 1953 & 1954: $500 to David Erickson, Lydia Crawford; $300 to Payten Weiderman. Alfred Weise Scholarship: $250 to Jada Olivier, Gabby Heck, Bailey Wynn, Tanner Onken, Emma Templeton. Backus American Legion Post #368: $1,000 to David Erickson, Madison Abraham, Emma Templeton, Payten Weiderman, Gabby Rainwater, Torry Hirschey, Bailey Wynn, Caitlin Swenson, Alyssa Semmler, Nathaniel Wosmek. Backus Legion Auxiliary Club: $500 to Gabby Rainwater, Nathaniel Wosmek. Backus Lions Club Scholarship: $500 to Gabby Heck, Gabby Rainwater, Meghan Jarvi, Nathaniel Wosmek. Ben Krueger American Legion Auxiliary: $500 to Meghan Jarvi, Bailey Wynn, Gabby Rainwater, Caitlin Swenson. Brainerd Elks Student of the Month: $500 to Joe Merritt. Brenden Fenstermaker Memorial Scholarship: $500 to Bailey Wynn. Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation: $2,000 to Nathaniel Wosmek. Minnesota American Legion Memorial: $500 to Nathaniel Wosmek. Central Lakes College Steven Amy Memorial: $838 to Madison Abraham. Crosslake-Fifty Lakes American Legion Auxiliary: $1,000 to Suzanne Redding, Nathaniel Wosmek. Crow Wing Power Scholarship: $1,500 to Jada Oliver, Gabby Heck. Denny Heemstra: $6,000 to Torry Hirschey; $4,000 to Tanner Onken; $2,000 to Joe Merritt.
692-2177 1-800-692-2177 South Hwy. 3 • Crosslake
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Best Wishes 2019 Grads!
218-568-5440 • PEQUOT LAKES PINE RIVER • NISSWA
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3003 36th St. S.W., Pine River www.SchruppExcavating.com • Email: schruppex@uslink.net
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Congratulations to all the area graduates, especially to our employees who are graduating!
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2019
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Independent Insurance Association
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Worship: 9:00am Sunday
Crosslake Town Square 218-692-2502
Steve Kappes Registered Pharmacist
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Congratulations graduates! Jessica Larson Savannah Sprau Ella Larson
Hwy 371 Nisswa 218-963-2265 SchaefersFoods.com
CLASS OF
2019! MMFCU members have access to over 5,600 Credit Unions nationwide. Federally insured by NCUA.
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CLASS OF 2019
pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
Thursday, May 30, 2019
6
PEQUOT LAKES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS LISTED The following scholarships were awarded to Pequot Lakes seniors Wednesday, May 15:
Alworth Memorial Scholarship: $20,000 each to Madison Chiodi and Owen Seidl. American Legion Auxiliary-Crosslake/Fifty Lakes Post #500: $1,000 each to Madison Chiodi, Dylin Ackerman, Sean Ryan, Necole Lyons. American Legion Auxiliary Post #627 (Nisswa): $1,000 each to Dylin Ackerman, Madison Chiodi, Erik Huseby, Sean Ryan. American Legion Post Auxiliary Post #49 (Pequot Lakes): $1,000 to Cally Traxler; $500 each to Nick Gyllenblad, Necole Lyons, Karli Monahan, Sean Ryan. American Legion Post #49 (Pequot Lakes): $1,000 each to Jordyn Tayloe, Molly Johnson, Madison Chiodi. American Red Cross: $750 to Jordayn Tayloe. Bernick Family Scholarship: $2,000 to Madison Chiodi. BlackRidge Bank: $250 each to Molly Johnson, Britt Kratochvil. Brainerd Elks: $600 to Zachary Bauer. Brainerd Elks (Most Valuable Student): $1,000 to Ben Golden. Brainerd Masonic Lodge: $2,000 to Kyan Kitzman. Brighter Horizons Adult Daycare: $500 to Zachary Bauer; $250 to Karli Monahan. Crosslake Art Club: $500 each to Ashlynn Reynolds, Sam Pfeiffer. Crosslake Firefighters (Tom Mezzenga Memorial): $500 each to Dylin Ackerman, Erin Bengtson, Britt Kratochvil. Crosslake-Ideal Lions Scholarship: $2,500 to Lindsey Young; $1,000 to Emma-Jo Nevin. Crow Wing Power: $1,500 each to Dylin Ackerman, Desera Engholm, Nick Gyllenblad, Marcus Klein, Hunter Larson, Karli Monahan. CTC: $500 to Necole Lyons. Dru Sjodin Memorial: $5,000 to Britt Kratochvil. Eagles 4-H Club: $250 each to Morgan Mudgett, Jack Kimbler. Ed Larsen Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 each to
PEQUOT LAKES HIGH S C H O O L C L A S S O F 2019 Number of graduates: 127, including 27 summa cum laude graduates, 17 cum laude graduates, 59 graduates who completed Bridges Career Academy courses and 11 who earned an Associate of Arts degree from Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Nearly half of the Pequot Lakes graduates decorated their caps - some for humor and others for inspiration.
Class song: “The Office Theme Song” by The Scrantones. Class motto: “Looking ahead but remembering our past.” Mid-Minnesota Builders Association: $1,000 to Luke Tucker. Mid- Minnesota Federal Credit Union: $500 to Kayla Neumann. Miss Nisswa Scholarship Pageant: $2,000 to Molly Johnson. Miss Pequot Lakes Scholarship Pageant: $3,000 to Hailee Swenson; $1,500 to Ashlynn Reynolds; $750 to
PEQUOT LAKES SCHOLARSHIPS: Page S7
Good Luck Grads! 001724549r1
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Molly Johnson, Britt Kratochvil, Karli Monahan. Heartland Cable Commission: $1,500 each to Madison Chiodi, Katie Galles, Molly Johnson, Jordyn Tayloe; $2,000 to Kyan Kitzman. Ideal Scholarship Foundation: $3,250 each to Cass Rock, Courtney Rock. Jed Fyle Memorial: $500 each to Mackenzie Nelson, Tyler Larson. Jim Oraskovich Memorial: $500 to Alexander Trees. Joey Jordan Memorial: $500 to Dylin Ackerman. Lueck-Leach Memorial: $500 to Hailee Swenson. Merrifield Marathons Snowmobile Club: $800 each to Dylin Ackerman, Molly Johnson, Kyan Kitzman, Britt Kratochvil, Samuel Lindholm.
Congratulations Grads! (218) 587-3373 | Downtown Pine River
Class colors: Royal blue and silver.
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
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CONGRATS ! s d e e N y t r a P n GRADS o i t a u d a r G ! 9 of 201 ions Class all your h t i w u o y lp We can he at
Congratul
Nancy Vogt
has you covered.
News Coverage for NISSWA AND PEQUOT LAKES
30581 Patriot Ave • 218-568-5001 • www.pequotlakessupervalu.com
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CLASS OF 2019
pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
PR-B
Thursday, May 30, 2019
7
been given. This small town has been an amazing, extremely supportive place to grow up. Some of you may hate it, but I know that a lot of us love it, and will end up raising families here some day. Everyone has big city eyes, and makes plans to
get out of here as soon as they can, but there’s something about this town that draws people back. I’m not sure whether that’s friends, family or people just wanting the same upbringing for their kids as they had. Whatever it is, it’s a good thing.
To abide by Mr. Halverson’s five-minute rule, we’ll finish up here by thanking our classmates. We may not have seen eye to eye all the time, but we all got along for the most part. We’ve got lots of memories and the high school
experience would definitely not have been the same without you guys. We’re looking forward to having fun tonight at Grad Blast, and hopefully making some more memories that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. We wish all of you the
best of luck in whatever you choose to do. Thank you, Pine River-Backus, for raising us, and for helping us get to where we are. You have been an amazing home, and we will not forget you as we take this next step forward in life.
toward personal growth and self-betterment, From Page S1 maybe some of us more marked a large step toward than others. But, I know that all of us are different maturity. people now than we were Even though at the time coming into high school. I may have not realized it, I hope that we can all say I was becoming a man. that the change was posiOver the past four years tive. we have all made steps We are all about to expe-
rience a lot more change than what we could ever have imagined. We have spent the last 12 years of our lives repeating the same cycle and now for the first time we are leaving the comfort of knowing what to expect. Not knowing what to expect is scary, but that
doesn’t always mean it’s bad. Not knowing what’s going to happen is uncomfortable; when we aren’t familiar with something we tend to get frightened and feel very vulnerable. An important thing to remember in times of unfamiliarity and discomfort is that those are the
times in our lives when we are able to grow. Doing the same thing every day would leave little room for any development. We have to allow ourselves to change and embrace the fear of not knowing what’s ahead. Graduation marks the day that all of us begin
our individual journeys and truly start to define ourselves as young adults. No other experience we could have had could truly prepares us for the vast amount of unknowns that are waiting for us in the real world, a world outside of high school.
Seidl, Hailee Swenson, Jordyn Tayloe, Nicole Young. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway: $1,000 to Jordyn Tayloe. Pelican Lakes Conservation Club: $1,000 each to Brendan Brill, Hannah LaRock. Pequot Lakes Area Historical Society: $500 each to Katie Galles, Owen Seidl. Pequot Lakes/Breezy
Point Lions Club: $500 to Ashlynn Reynolds. Pequot Lakes Brush Pilots/Bill Buss Memorial: $1,000 to Desera Engholm. Pequot Lakes Educator’s Scholarship: $500 each to Ashlynn Reynolds, Morgan Mudgett. Pequot Lakes Fire Department (Ronald H. Myers Memorial): $500 to Mackenzie Nelson.
Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.: $1,000 each to Brandon Lee, Luke Tucker. Roger Loveland Memorial: $500 to Nick Gyllenblad. St. Alice Catholic Church (Grace Herreid Memorial): $500 to Morgan Mudgett. STRIVE (Central Lakes Rotary Club): $250 each to Desera Engholm, Elizabeth Blaeser, Rashawn Hors-
man, Hannah Allen, BriOnna Haag, Hunter Larson, Lindsey Young, Corrie Bahr, Mckenna Pepper, Karli Monahan, Kayla Neumann. Viking Coke (Powerade Athlete of the Year): $1,000 to Dylin Ackerman. Wayne “Wheaties” Wallin: $500 each to Dylin Ackerman, Mackenzie Nelson.
PEQUOT LAKES
PEQUOT LAKES SCHOLARSHIPS
each to Madison Chiodi, Eloise Gitchell, Kyan Kitzman, Sean Ryan. Nisswa PTO: $500 to Britt Kratochvil. Nisswa Women’s Club: $1,500 each to Madison Chiodi, Jordyn Tayloe. From Page S6 Patriot Foundation: Necole Lyons. $1,000 each to Brendan MNIAAA Scholarship: Brill, Madison Chiodi, $600 each to Mackenzie Ben Golden, Molly JohnNelson, Dylin Ackerman. son, Morgan Mudgett, Nisswa Lions Club: $1,500 Ashlynn Reynolds, Owen
Class motto: “Our lives are with a vast variety of success before us … Our past is behind and accomplishments! GO us … but our memories are PR-B Tigers!” forever with us.” Valedictorian: Torry Quote from Principal Hirschey, the son of Joshua and Chris Halverson: “This Nicole Hirschey. He is involved year’s graduation class is small in basketball, baseball and in comparable class size, but National Honor Society. His Tiger Pride is alive and well hobbies are hunting, playing
PR-B SCHOLARSHIPS INFORMATION From Page S5
PR-B SCHOLARSHIPS
$500 to Madison Abraham. Paul & Marge Gardiner Business Scholarship: $1,000 to Madison AbraFrom Page S5 ham, Joe Merritt. Pine River American Emma Templeton, Meghan Legion: $500 to Alyssa Jarvi. Mid-Minnesota Build- Semmler, Nathaniel Wosers Association: $1,000 to mek. Pine River American Torry Hirschey. Legion Auxiliary: $500 to Alpha Chapter #23 Jada Olivier, Bailey Wynn, Eastern Star: $1,000 to Gabby Rainwater. Nathaniel Wosmek. Paula Bushee MemoSourcewell Students of rial Pine River American Character: $470 to Madi- Legion Auxiliary: $500 to son Abraham; $450 to Nathaniel Wosmek Meghan Jarvi. Pine River Lions: $500 North Ward Homes: to Nathaniel Wosmek.
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Best of Luck Graduates!
Call For Appointment 218-587-2290 Open: Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm Hwy 371 S. (1 mi. So. of Pine River)
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Pine River State Bank Employee: $500 to Torry Hirschey, Gabby Rainwater. Pine River Education Association: $300 to Gabby Heck, Nathaniel Wosmek. Pine River-Backus Scholars Drawing: $400 to Madison Abraham, Austin Beavers, Lydia Crawford, David Erickson, Gabby Heck, Torry Hirschey, Meghan Jarvi, Joe Merritt, Jada Olivier, Tanner
basketball and spending time with friends and family. His future plans are to attend the University of Alabama to study architectural engineering. A memorable moment: “When Travis Tschida got locked in the closet in 10th grade history class.”
Onken, Gabby Rainwater, Suzanne Redding, Alyssa Semmler, Caitlin Swenson, Emma Templeton, Payten Weiderman, Nathaniel Wosmek, Bailey Wynn. Schrupp Excavating & Construction Scholarship: $1,000 to Torry Hirschey. Sharon Kay Blackstad Memorial: $500 to Lydia Crawford. Sheila Joan Anderson Scholarship: $500 to Gabby Heck, Nathaniel
Salutatorian: Emma Templeton, the daughter of Wilma and Alexander Templeton. She is involved in band, cross country, basketball and track. Her hobbies are hanging out with friends and riding horses. Her future plans are to attend Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado, Wosmek. Steven and Tammy Cox: $3,000 to Madison Abraham; $1,000 to Jada Olivier; $500 to Gabby Rainwater, Alyssa Semmler. STRIVE Central Lakes Rotary Club: $300 to Madison Abraham, Austin Beavers, Malia Canales, Justin Fetter, Steven Gardner, Crystal Hutchins, Joe Mer-
to pursue colt starting and equine business management. She works part time at Benvelle Equestrian Center and for Tim Silcox. A memorable moment: “Beating the 4x8 school record twice. On the team was Sidney Loge, Claire Dahl and Anna Sechser.” ritt, Annaleah Olson, Tyler Peterson, Alyssa Quinn, Lilly Reed, Grace Rivers, Kiana Waltower, Payten Weiderman, Bailey Wynn. Teamster Local #320: $1,000 to Jada Olivier. Memorial Blood Drive: $200 to Caitlin Swenson, Gabby Heck, Meghan Jarvi; $150 to Justin Fetter, Malia Canales.
Congratulations Graduates!
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Pequot Lakes • 218-568-5025
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From Page S1
you know it, you’ll be right here where we are. As we all sit here, some of us our last time in this school, let’s just appreciate the opportunity that we’ve
30985 Front St. • Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 oursaviorspl.org • 218.568.4670
Congrats Grads!
B O J T A E R G DS OF American Welding & Gas, Inc.
GRA 2019!
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Congratulations to the Class of 2019 & Best of Luck
Congratulations Class of 2019!
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pineandlakes.com | Echo Journal
Thursday, May 30, 2019
8
GRADUATION MOMENTS
Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
Twelve Eagle View Elementary School staff members have children who graduated from Pequot Lakes High School on Friday, May 24. From left are Melissa Reynolds with daughter Ashlynn; Ann Schommer with son Jordan; Penny Horsman with daughter Rashawn; Elizabeth Rock with children Courtney and Cass; Sean Bengtson with daughter Erin; Tammy Erickson with son Dylan; Jessie Mudgett with daughter Morgan; Carrie Chiodi with daughter Madison; Mindi Brill with son Brendan; Marie Williams with daughter Mariah Whitledge; Tom Bauer with son Zachary; and Christa Tayloe with daughter Jordyn.
Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
Pine River-Backus graduate Meghan Jarvi sings “Life Changes” by Thomas Rhett during the graduation ceremony.
Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
Naomi Horn directs the Pine River-Backus High School choir during a graduation performance.
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Jordan Goddard poses with loved ones after the Pequot Lakes graduation ceremony Friday, May 24.
Grads are important members of our cooperative
Congratulations,
GRADUATES! Begin Your Story! New beginnings. New chapters. New adventures. New challenges.
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Wishing the Class of 2019 a bright and wonderful future. Discover how MSUM can help you achieve your goals. mnstate.edu/visit | 877.678.6463 | 218.477.2161 Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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