by Sophia Khori
Contributing Writer
Twenty-four Ivan Sand Community High School students who overcame unique barriers to getting their education graduated June 6.
Retiring teacher Cheryl Netka thanked the graduates for their persistence.
As the soon-to-be graduates filed in the into Zabee Theater at Elk River High School, excitement of family, friends and teachers filled the room. Once everyone was seated, Ivan Sand juniors and masters of ceremonies Meranda Burton and Ben Wald welcomed the crowd. The duo highlighted the new project-based learning option and Enchanted Forest prom that students participated in this year. They ended their introduction by saying the most important opportunity students had was the space to build unique, meaningful relationships with the staff.
Clarissa Gursky told her class that at the commencement ceremony the people at Ivan Sand set aside differences and problems to celebrate successes.
Six student speakers presented speeches and proved that their common ground was that their road to commencement involved conquering individual struggles. For Frank Holzeau this was coping with the death of his best friend, while for Anna Liashko it was putting in extra time and energy into her studies because Russian is her first language. Achieving goals and putting in necessary work will continue for Holzeau as he begins flight school and for Liashko as she studies finance at Bethel University.
Another speaker, Clarissa Gursky spoke about how thankful she was for the supportive staff at Ivan Sand, her “safe haven” while dealing with anxiety and depression. When Gursky’s conditions worsened and she had to be hospitalized, her gratitude for the community she had at Ivan Sand only grew.
Chloe Miller, one of six student speakers, told the crowd how she made it to graduation day despite being doubted along the way.
“I was sinking so low that I thought I was done for. Even though I had missed a week of school, the staff welcomed me back with open arms,” Gursky explained.
Gursky’s emotional speech left many crowd members teary-eyed. But everyone in attendance cheered as she ended her speech on an optimistic note.
“We will not let our past define us, because the future is ours to create. This isn’t the end, it’s only the beginning,” Gursky said.
Then, before the presentation of the class of 2017, scholarships were awarded. Several students received awards between $500 and $1,000 from local groups, including The Bank of Elk River, Three Rivers Community Foundation and Memorial Blood Center.
Abby Nesbitt was the only student to receive three scholarship awards and was recognized for graduating a year ahead of time.
Ivan Sand staff members lined up Tuesday night to congratulate the new graduates as they received their diplomas at Zabee Theater in Elk River High School.
Retiring English teacher Cheryl Netka was also recognized at Tuesday’s program. Student speaker, Alisha Ecklund dedicated a portion of her speech to “Mrs. Netka.”
She said: “You are by far the most beautifully talented writer I have ever seen. You go beyond limitations and gave me confidence to go for a profession I’d never thought I’d see myself doing,” Ecklund said.
Lastly, Principal Tom Hoffman and School Board Member Joel Nelson presented the diplomas. After the ceremony, students took pictures with their loved ones and guests enjoyed cake and punch in the cafeteria.