29 Malcolm High School graduates headed out into the world yesterday to study, work, build families, and pursue their dreams after a heartfelt commencement ceremony at Sault Area High School last night.
Solara McVey, Dyllon Erickson, and Connor Straight each fast-tracked graduation after just three years of academic dedication. Both McVey and Straight graduated with the class's highest GPAs.
"Teachers and faculty were very supportive," McVey said. "I also took online courses through Odyssey Education to help graduate faster. The education, here, was great, as are my friends and teachers. If you needed help they were always right there. Malcolm is great for students who struggle."
McVey was gleaming eye to eye upon just graduating and learning that she had been accepted into Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where she will begin online courses on June 26 of next month.
"Eventually, I want to have my own photography business," she said.
Principal Sandra Sawyer, along with teacher Lisa Schulte and Native American Advisor Laurie Morely presented awards to this year's outstanding Malcolm students, recognizing all 29 for their success.
"These awards are voted on by the teachers," Sawyer said. "The decisions for these awards are never easy. The students chosen for these awards have gone above and beyond in some way to represent Malcolm to their fullest potential. We, as staff, could not be more proud of them."
This year's perseverance award was presented to graduate Keadyn Brueggeman.
"Sometimes there is just one student who stands out," Sawyer said. "When you hear their story, you are like, 'Wow, I am so impressed that given all of the barriers, obstacles, hurdles, and, sometimes, setbacks they are graduating tonight.' Despite all of these challenges, this student dug deep and kept pushing up to her goal of graduation."
The Malcolm volunteer award went to class speaker Isis Howell for helping in and outside of school.
"This student is always willing to offer a hand when needed," Sawyer said. "She was our 'go to' girl when we needed help with the bulletin board or any other project. She always offered to help clean the STEM lab after projects were completed, even though it was not her mess. When Ms. Morely met with the class about fundraising for the senior trip, she took the initiative to go talk to local businesses to help offset costs and raise a lot of money to help her peers. The students got a late start on painting parking spaces, but she has been to school a few days this week to make sure hers was finished up."
The Malcolm helping hands award aka "school nurse" was presented to Lauren Hober.
"I have never, in all of my years of education, witnessed a student so confident to help in a crisis situation with such calmness and knowledge," Sawyer said. "She is looking to pursue a career in the health field and I truly think that is her calling. I have witnessed so much growth in this student over the last four years. I am so proud of her. I am really not sure who I am going to look for next year when my panic button goes off."
Robert Allard took home the Malcolm Maverick spirit award for being a real "cheerleader," always spirited and the life of his class.
Schulte presented the Malcolm citizenship award to Straight.
"This student is always heard, no matter where you are at in the building," she said. "He would always tell me, 'You are going to miss me someday.'"
Schulte confirmed that she would definitely miss him.
"Me and this next student went rounds," Schulte said, presenting the most improved student award to Addie Schumacher. "This is one of my favorite awards to give because it is the most improved in academics, attendance, and citizenship."
Morely presented the Outstanding Native American student award to Parker Talentino.
"Tonight's student has been a great student at Malcolm, even when times were tough," said Morely. "He seemed to always put a smile on everyone's face. He has worked very hard to graduate a semester early. We couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments."
Straight also won the Malcolm outstanding graduate award.
"This student goes above and beyond, not just academically, but also displays the positive characteristics we want to instill in our Malcolm students," Sawyer said. "He has earned his certificate from the career center in machining, where his teachers have spoken very highly of his skill, work ethic, and leadership."
Sawyer paid tribute to all of the family members, friends, and families who played an instrumental role in leading these former students to graduation, congratulating and saying goodbye to the Malcolm High School Class of 2023.
"Know that no matter the issue or how much time has passed, your Malcolm family will always be here for you," Sawyer said.
