102nd Class Graduates From GHS

By Samar

Sixty-one happy seniors walked across the stage in the Glasgow High School gym on Sunday afternoon and walked down the steps as graduates in the class of 2010. 

They heard Kyle Loewen, giving the Senior Address, say that science teacher Todd Glaser inspired him to meet challenges head on. He never had Glaser for a teacher, but Glaser set every student an example when he fought back from a paralyzing injury to return to teaching.

The class of 2010 invited a graduate in the class of 2001 to give the Commencement Address. Capt. Tammy Gallagher Lanning, an ROTC student at Black Hills State College, went into Army military intelligence and served two tours in Afghanistan. Among her decorations is the Bronze Star.

Looking out at the seated seniors, she said that she had taught most of them swimming. Based on what she learned after jumping into life after graduation, she had some tips for success. One was self-motivation, because "No one in this world can motivate you toward your goals like you can." Another was integrity, which, she said, seems absent these days, but is a significant quality that will set you apart. She advised them to be flexible, to learn from their failures and finally, "Be who you are." That is more important than fitting in.

The top student in the class, Anne Mirich, led off the parade of students who shook hands, received their diplomas and had the silky tassel switched from one side of the mortarboard to the other.

Dr. Charles Wilson, a member of the Glasgow School Board and a local Boy Scout leader, noted that this is the 100th anniversary of Scouting. While only 2 percent of Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts, there are five Eagles in this class, the most in memory. They are Kyle Boyer, Walter Belleau, Coby Greenhagen, Quinton Greenhagen and Kyle Loewen.

The Concert Choir, the Scotty Concert Band and the Swing Choir Seniors performed musical selections.

School board member David Irving noted the retirement of Curt Brayko, Joan Campbell and Connie James from the school district.

After one final clapping rendition of "Tunes of Glory," the graduates tossed their caps into the air and the hugging began.