All eyes were on a single graduate Saturday during the Peetz School’s commencement ceremonies.
Makayla Rae Motzkus walked alone to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” addressed the audience as the Class Valedictorian, and then recessed, again alone, to close the ceremony.
Motzkus was one of two seniors to graduate from Peetz High School. Ryan Schilz technically graduated in December and had decided not to participate in Saturday’s commencement.
During her valedictory, Motzkus spoke on the importance of perseverance and focus in attaining life’s goals.
“Never entertain foolishness. Have a purpose in life, stay focused and never let others bring you down,” she said. “Winners are not people who never fail but rather people who never quit.”
The graduate also thanked her teachers, naming several of them as influencers who instilled self-confidence and changed her view of herself and her own abilities.
Prior to the high school graduation, the school’s eighth-graders were honored in a continuation ceremony. Dressed in the chosen class colors of purple and black, the soon-to-be-freshmen processed to the strains of Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me.”
Continuing eighth-graders were Gunner browning, McKrai Dennison, Alexis Gentry, Savannah Huls, Patrick Moreno, Samuel Naegele, Milla Panduro, Aspen Syder, Gabriel Tortice and Logan Vallier. Alezxis Gentry was named valedictorian and Samuel Naegele was salutatorian.
