Sargent seniors recognize tragedy, comedy in life

SARGENT - The weekend of July 18 and 19 marked a special day for the 2020 senior class of Sargent High School. After

having to wait several extra months, they finally walked down the aisles of the gymnasium and received their diplomas.

Looking at the situation these kids dealt with, it was unfair and out of their control, but like everything in life it will go on and get better in time. These kids seem to understand this, as their class motto was a Charlie Chaplin quote, “Life is a tragedy when seen in close up, but a comedy in long-shot.”

All eighteen members of the Sargent class were in attendance at the ceremony. The Valedictorians were Bridget Slagle and Hope Ottun and the Salutatorian was Kaylee Kruml.

In Slagle’s speech, she talked about how switching to online learning made her appreciate the days of going to school in Sargent. She also mentioned all the different academic accomplishments the class was able to obtain.

“The abrupt switch from classroom learning to distance learning and the lengthy time spent almost solely with my sisters and Mom did help me realize how much I loved going to school in Sargent, how the activities I was involved in did broaden my horizons, and that social interaction is very, very important to my sanity,” Slagle said.

Ottun looked at how this pandemic will only make this year’s class stronger in years to come. It also helped her realize what is important in life.

“The past months have emphasized the unpredictable and fragile nature of life,” Ottun said. “My own health issues have made me aware that we are not in control of our lives as much as we might like to think, but watching the rest of the world face this epiphany, has made me that much more thankful for my faith and the support of family and friends. Graduating during this uncertain time is confusing, to say the least, but I know that the class of 2020 can use these circumstances as a launching pad and a source of determination to accomplish their goals in the years to come.”

There is no doubt that the 2020 graduating class of Sargent High School has a lot to be proud of. They finally made it to the day, many dream about and now they are ready to go out into the world and use the skills they learned.