NHS students graduate high school

Newton High School held its 140th annual commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon where 172 students walked across the stage and received their diplomas.

The ceremony was scheduled to take place at Maytag Park but for the second consecutive year was moved indoors due to poor weather conditions over Memorial Day weekend.

Graduates and family members began gathering at Newton High School at 1 p.m. and the ceremony started at 3 p.m.

High School Principal Bill Peters kicked off the speeches Sunday afternoon by addressing the parents in the room. Peters asked the graduates to thank their parents for everything they have provided.

"They helped you when you didn't really deserve it. They were tough on you when you did deserve it," Peters said. "I'm going to ask you to make a pledge to yourself for the rest of your life to thank them every single day and give them a hug and tell them you love them."

The class of 2015 then gave their parents and family a round of applause.

Commencement speaker Rachel Prendergast then gave the first of two speeches Sunday afternoon.

"When we leave today, the path is up to us," Prendergast said. " Our education provides us with a strong foundation, and it is now up to us to decide what we want to do with the framework. I challenge you to take steps that will someday allow you to do what you have always wanted to do. Find your passion whether it be coaching, teaching, writing, researching, serving, whatever it may be — and do it to the best of your ability every single day."

After the choir performed a pair of musical performances, the 2015 senior class president Jesse Cochran took the podium and addressed his peers.

"Each one of us has a skill, talent and knowledge that's superior to someone else," Cochran said. "This ability you might not even realize yet. We have potential to do so much. The only limits that we have are the ones that we chose to believe in."

He went on to explain and provide advice to his fellow classmates.

"By realizing our potential and achieving it, we transition from a melancholy, uneventful life to a happy fulfilling life," he said. "The difference between exceptional and mediocre is the drive we get towards the end."

Both Prendergast and Cochran were among seven valedictorians in the class of 177 students who graduated.

Before the presentation of diplomas, Peters stood at the podium again and thanked the graduates for a great year.

"I witnessed from this class more than most witness in a lifetime. Thank you class of 2015 for never being good enough," Peters said. "Thanks for putting others' feelings before your own and thanks for making NHS one of the most remarkable schools in the state of Iowa."

After the whole class walked across the stage, graduates flipped their tassels and tossed their caps in the air.

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newtondailynews.com