New Bremen graduates 64
NEW BREMEN — New Bremen Local Schools honored the Class of 2022 at its commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon, with 64 students walking across the stage to get their diplomas
“Who are they and what will they become?” Jason Schrader asked in his opening remarks. Schrader equated the term ‘adventure-ready’ as being synonymous with the graduating class.
“A few years ago, I was looking at a product and the salesman described the model as being adventure ready. What an awesome branding term. It implies that something or someone is prepared for an exciting, daring journey,” said Schrader. “This is a great description of the Class of 2022. You are surrounded by friends, family who have been by your side supporting your academic and personal growth. They will continue to be there for you as you head out on your next adventure. The Class of 2022 has faith, you believe that you can do anything and will accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Not every adventure is easy, there will be setbacks, and these times are important. The Class of 2022 are lifelong learners. Learning is the only way to progress. You must learn to adapt and continue growing to be adventure ready.”
Schrader touted the class’s accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.
“I’ve enjoyed watching this class grow as individuals and as friends. It’s clear you have the support, characteristics and skills needed to take on your next adventure,” he said. “You have demonstrated artistic ability at Drama
Club productions and showcases; the ability to think critically and solve Lean Six Sigma project problems and mastered the art of public speaking in FFA competitions.”
Schrader recalled some of his favorite memories in his speech. From “your faces beaming with pride at music awards banquets,” and “game-winning shots in basketball,” to “mentoring elementary students” and “story time with Cookie Monster in the CBC.”
“… And that visit I received on April 20, 2021, when my doorbell rang at 9:20 p.m. and I was greeted by two brave representatives, with cookies, on my porch, in hopes of influencing a two-hour delay on April 21,” Schrader said which was met with laughter from the audience.
“The Class of 2022 is adventure ready,” he said. “We’re proud of who you are and we’ll be there to support you in the future. We wish you the best of accomplishing your future goals. Once a Cardinals, always a Cardinal.”
The high school choir, under the direction of Patricia Ruckman performed “Seasons of Love” and the concert band, under the direction of Rachel Wrobbel performed “Chasing Sunlight” by Cait Nishimura before Schrader’s remarks.
Grades 7-12 Principal Marcus Overman’s first day as principal was the class’s first day of their high school careers.
“When I think back, I think about how nervous I was meeting six new grade levels of students for the first time. From our first interactions, I remember how eager you were to learn. You’re uneasiness with entering a new building, how quiet you were See NEW BREMEN, Page A5
in front of me, and how shy you were in front of the staff,” Overman said during his remarks. “As I stand in front of you today, I can say I was correct about your eagerness to learn; however, you quickly overcame the shyness in front of me and the staff — sometimes maybe a bit too much.”
Overman recounted the class’s successes which included: league championships in baseball, basketball, bowling and volleyball; state championships in football and volleyball; state competition appearance in robotics; superior ratings for the band and choir, a top 10 state FFA chapter and creations by the students in the design, multimedia and art classes.
But, those accomplishments weren’t the ones Overman was most proud of, saying the achievements in the classroom were the biggest.
The Class of 2022 graduated with an average 3.4 GPA and had six students score higher than 30 on the ACT. Another double-digit amount of students scored above 25 or higher.
Words of wisdom: Many talks about leadership over the years. Guaranteed to happen at the beginning of the school year and sometimes around February when I typically pulled you together for the “get your act together speech.”
Some words of wisdom from Overman including what it takes to start a journey and what it means to take ownership of life.
“During the next chapters of your lives, there will certainly be good things, there will also be some bad. There will be some highs and there will be some lows. Some moments in life will make it feel so hard and leave you feeling empty inside,” said Overman. “That is the time when you need to take ownership for your actions so that your journey is not thrown off course. Ownership is about taking those blows, getting out of bed, putting your feet on the ground and putting your best foot forward. Now is the time to step up, become adults and take the ownership and accountability for your actions.”
The Class of 2022 featured two valedictorians: Lydia Heckman and Mara Brackman. Gabi Heckman was named the salutatorian.
“To our teachers, administrators and school board: thank you for believing in us. We owe our success to the efforts you have given us both in and outside of the classroom,” Brackman said during her and Heckman’s combined speech. “To our families, especially my grandmas: We are so grateful to have fierce advocates, strong mentors, and people who shove us out of bed in the morning. To the class of 2022: thank you for providing the support, encouragement and positive attitude needed to make it here today — and making fun of us if we got a grade a little too high or too low for your expectations.”
The two shared advice they learned from various teachers, recounting different stories for each.
One teacher Heckman thanked was math teacher Kathy Schmitmeyer, who has always told her to be passionate and love what you do.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone refer to a long math equation as a ‘little cutie,’ nonetheless, she comes to class every day and nothing has been able to dull her excitement for calc class this year,” said Heckman.
Another teacher she thanked her and Gabbi’s mother, Shannon Heckman, who is the grades 7-12 business and technology teacher.
“She has taught us that if you want to be heard, talk louder. I think we can all remember hearing of one Mrs. Heckman’s great lectures from a different classroom — probably down the hall,” she joked.
“All jokes aside, my mom has taught us how to be confident, advocate for ourselves and how to communicate our interests and passions with others. Thanks, Mom.”
In total, the Class of 2022 was awarded $504,223 in grants and scholarships.
Also honored on Sunday were Scott Paul, who retired in December after 30 years of service as the high school custodian; Nancy Riethman, who served the district for 30 years in the school cafeteria and Kathy Neumeier, who served as the district administrative secretary for 30 years.