By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
LINN — Linn Middle School Math Teacher Laura Voss told graduates on Sunday that she felt truly honored to speak to the Class of 2025. “I was blessed to be the preschool teacher at St. George and the middle school math teacher of many of these graduates,” she said.
Voss began with a survey of those gathered because, as she said, math teachers love numbers.
“Who, with a show of hands, remembers their best time in all of school was in that ‘beautiful’ time of transition in the seventh or eighth grade?”
She also asked how many in the audience considered math their favorite subject.
“This brings me to my first bit of advice: never underestimate your opportunity or power to make a difference,” Voss said. “You can have a job in the most challenging of ages with a most unliked-possibly — even despised — subject, and young people can still like you and you can still love your job. Ironically, although I love math, my best advice comes from Language Arts, specifically verb usage.
“Instead of using the verb ‘have,’ I have carefully chosen to replace it with ‘get.’ Instead of I have to go to work today, I get to go to work today,” Voss continued. “For the person battling cancer and illness, like so many of our loved ones, they would give anything to feel good enough to go to work and support themselves and their family. From I have to go to class, to I get to go to class.”
Those for whom college isn’t financially feasible at this point would love to have the opportunity to advance their education, Voss noted.
“I have to go to a family dinner, to I get to go to a family dinner,” she continued. “For the person who is estranged from family or doesn’t have family, they would love to spend time with people who love and support them. I have to go to practice, to I get to go to practice. To the person who is injured or didn’t make the team, they would love to get stronger and be part of a group of athletes. To some, these tasks, duties, and responsibilities can seem mundane, but to those who are struggling — physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually — they long to be able to do and experience the ‘normal’ we often take for granted.”
She encouraged graduates to choose to see every opportunity and day, even what seems normal, as the gift it truly is. “Something as simple as changing a verb can change your outlook to one of positivity and thankfulness, and I can’t think of a better way to live your life,” said Voss. “In 2019, we gathered for the first time in the seventh grade, and life took a crazy and scary turn several months later.”
In-person time was cut short because of COVID-19. “I remember feeling robbed of time with you,” Voss added. “Fast forward several years, and here we are, gathered together to take on a new, crazy, and possibly a little scary adventure — life after high school. Take a look around you. Take this moment in. Look at your friends, your family, your teachers and staff, your administrators. We are here to celebrate you today, all of your accomplishments and successes in graduating. I hope and pray all your days are filled with success, happiness, and celebrations. But know that when there are struggles, questions, or doubts, this same crew of friends, family, and teachers is still here for you. Please don’t ever face those struggles alone — we’ve got you!”
In conclusion, Voss told the Class of 2025 she hopes they always feel the love and support they felt at Sunday’s ceremony. “May you always know you were made to be awesome,” she added. “May you know I will always be here to remind you how awesome you are. And may you know how much I appreciate that I got to write a speech and nervously and anxiously stand in front of you today. You, Class of 2025, are amazing humans — may you always know that. Congratulations!”
Superintendent Bob James welcomed and thanked moms for their role in preparing students for graduation on Mother’s Day. He added that the community’s hopes were with the Class of 2025.
“I know that you will not disappoint us,” he said. “Our hope and optimism are well placed with this class. You are reminded that our community will be in good hands. I want to thank our parents for the partnership and hard work; 18 years have culminated in this milestone, in our celebration today. They will eventually understand what you did for them and what you went through to raise them and get them here, so thank you very much. ”
James noted that students may see 20-30 students throughout their time in school, along with a handful of principals, counselors, coaches, office staff, faculty, and the cafeteria ladies. “We’re all a part of this adventure, and I thank each of you for your time, your passion, and partnership in preparing our young graduates today,” he added. “Community is the soil where kids grow best. We have a great one, and it has taken its charge very seriously in providing the seedbed for our graduates to grow beyond just their academic endeavors, to grow as people and as citizens.”
James said that graduates are lucky to have grown with the influence of churches, parks, youth programs, and employers. “I look forward to the community our graduates will build in the future,” he continued. “There will undoubtedly be graduates from Linn High School, whether you know it or not, who will count you as their community. I know that you will not let them down, graduates.”
James offered a quote from his favorite football player, JJ Watt: “Success isn’t owned, it’s leased, and the rent is due every day.”
“As you graduate and step into a rapidly changing world, take a moment to reflect on the values you’ll carry with you, values given to you by your family, your friends, your teachers, and your community: hard work, integrity, kindness, and accountability,” James said. “These may not always trend on social media or be rewarded instantly. It takes a while, but they are the quiet forces that will build your lasting success, graduates. You’ve been taught to show up, even when it’s hard. It isn’t hard to treat people with respect and to keep your word when no one is watching; everyone knows how to do that. These qualities are becoming more rare, and that’s exactly why they are more powerful than ever. In a world that too often favors shortcuts in the spotlight over any real substance, your character will give you an edge. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room, just the one who shows up every day and does what’s right. When others are waiting for inspiration, be the one who leans on discipline. When the world is uncertain, let your values be your anchor. The world may value these traits less, but that’s precisely why they will set you apart. So keep going, keep building, keep paying the rent, because your future isn’t a gift — it’s something you’ll earn every single day. I, we, wish you the very best, Class of 2025, and good luck in your future.”
High School Principal Erin Sassmann noted that graduates dealt with construction on campus as the year came to a close.
“As I stand here in front of you today as I see here, surrounded by proud families, faculties, inspired students, and just a little bit of construction dust, I’m reminded that great things are always under construction,” said Sassmann. “If you’ve been on campus recently, you know what I mean. We have chain-link fences, temporary walkways, the beeping of the backup alarms as you’re trying to take tests, during lectures, and Mrs. Sassmann moving your parking spotlight for the 10th time because they took one of our parking spaces.
“All of these things, even though they’re a pain, show that something is being built, because while our campus has been physically under construction, you’ve been building something, too,” said Sassmann. “You’ve been constructing the foundation of your life, one class, one decision, and one challenge at a time. And just like any great structure, the process hasn’t been perfect. It’s been messy. It might have taken you longer than expected, and there might have been problems along the way, and days that you thought the scaffolding was just going to fall over completely.”
Sassmann further likened graduates’ journey with the construction process, noting they were standing strong on the foundation they poured over the last four years through late-night studying, unexpected detours, personal growth, tough conversations, laughter, setbacks, and breakthroughs. “Now, as you prepare to step beyond these walls — walls that are quite literally still being built — I want to encourage you to keep building and build with integrity,” she added. “That’s the concrete. Build with curiosity; that’s the blueprint. Build with kindness; that’s the scaffolding. That is what holds others up while keeping your structure firm. Know you don’t have to go it alone; even the most skilled builders rely on a team, architects, electricians, bricklayers, and project managers. Those people who might be your friends, family, mentors, new classmates, or coworkers — don’t be afraid to lean on them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be afraid to be somebody else’s support.”
Sassmann told graduates that no matter what they choose to build, be it a career, a new idea, a community, or a family, make it strong and meaningful. “And never forget where your foundation began, right here in this school that just like you — is still becoming something more,” she said. “You are a group that I will not forget, for good reasons only: the spirit that you’ve shown throughout basketball and football games to support your friends; all you’ve done during pep assemblies; your pride and your desire to have a class trip. You planned it, you did it, and I’m so proud of you; we had a blast.”
Sassmann recalled the day Science teacher Richard Facemeyer told her he had no desks.
“Also, the life-size cutout of Mrs. Sassmann will stay in my office and might just happen to show up frequently around the school to make sure that staff and students are on their toes,” she said. “Your spirit, determination, and creativity are going to take you a long way, and I will never forget you. Congratulations, Class of 2025. I am so proud of you, and the one thing I want you always to remember: be respectful, be responsible, be amazing, and remember — you will always be a Wildcat.”
Co-valedictorian Emma Monnette told classmates that high school is a lot like a puzzle. “At first, all the pieces are scattered and confusing, but slowly, we begin to see how it all fits together,” she said. “And now, here we are, holding the final piece of this puzzle: graduation.”
Freshman year established the edge pieces, the frame, the beginning. “We were figuring out where we belonged, walking into crowded hallways with wide eyes and nerves,” she said. “Everything felt bigger than us, until it didn’t. We learned where the classrooms were, survived our first finals, and discovered clubs, sports, and new friendships. We did not have the full picture yet, but we started to find our place in it.”
With some experience and a little more confidence, the class as sophomores added more pieces, though the second year of high school came with new challenges like tougher classes, heavier expectations, and questions such as “What do you want to do after high school?”
“Some pieces didn’t seem to fit, but we kept going, slowly shaping the center of our picture with resilience and self-discovery,” said Monnette. “Junior year, the heart of the puzzle, was intense, important, and full of pressure. We balanced different classes, ACTs, college searches, and sleepless nights. We got used to caffeine, Google Docs, Photomath, Chat GPT, and staying up past midnight. But we also supported each other — through group projects, study groups, vent sessions, and the understanding nods of people who just got it. It was hard, but it made us sharper and stronger.”
Then last August, Monnette and her fellow graduates began the final stretch, with the final puzzle pieces falling into place. “At first, it felt surreal,” she said. “We were the top of the school, but also standing at the edge of something new. We celebrated victories, fought through ‘senioritis,’ and tried to hold onto every last moment.”
The seniors experienced homecoming, prom, class rivalries, district championships, state competitions, the first varsity football game in years, that one unforgettable Friday night game, college acceptances, and the goodbyes for which they weren’t quite ready.
“And now, this is our last shared memory: graduation,” Monnette said. “Looking back, every piece mattered, even the ones that were hard to place. Even the ones we thought didn’t belong. Together, they built something incredible — a picture of growth, friendship, failure, and time we’ll never get back, but will always carry with us.”
On Sunday, Monnette told classmates that graduation was the end of one puzzle and the beginning of the next, be it college, work, or something totally unknown. “Remember what we’ve built here and never forget where you’ve come from,” she added. “Remember that even when the future is unclear, the picture will come together.”
She acknowledged the people who influenced the development of her puzzle. “My parents have continued to push me to be the best version of myself and work my hardest,” Monnette said. “If not for you, I wouldn’t be the person standing before you today. To my sister: You’ve always been the one I looked up to, the one who set the standard so high I did not know if I’d ever reach it. You’ve always been a step ahead, pushing me to work harder, study longer, and achieve more. And as much as I admired you, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever be able to follow in your footsteps — until this afternoon. So, here I am, standing where you once stood, with all of the hard work and effort finally paying off. So thank you, Mom, Dad, and Ellie, for always being my fan club and believing in me.”
On behalf of her classmates, Monnette offered gratitude to the parents, guardians, and loved ones at graduation. “Thank you for your support and devotion, even when we were being difficult teenagers,” she said. “Your love and guidance have played an invaluable role in shaping us into the individuals we are today.”
Finally, Monnette said she would always cherish the memories made at Linn R-2. “It’s incredible how quickly time has gone by since our high school journey began, and here we are, already graduating,” she added. “There have been so many laughs, challenges, and friendships. As a class, we have been through many things that have gotten us to where we are. We have learned so many life lessons. Glance around and take this moment in. Embrace the chances, do the best you can, do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing, meet new people, travel to crazy places, love as many as you can, and do anything and everything you can to live life to the fullest. May the future hold endless possibilities for us, but never forget the puzzle that we built here!”
Co-valedictorian Vivien Baker said Sunday wasn’t just another day. “I know this day is actually full of mixed emotions, but all in all, today is a day of great celebration,” said Baker. “Graduation only happens once, and I want to take this time to remind everyone of the tremendous joy this day brings. Let’s all take a second to think about it, to dwell in the hope for the future, because that’s what today is all about: hope. I know, I know — it’s a little about heartbreak, too — but that makes it all the more sweet.
“How lucky we are to have something so good, it brings us sorrow to part with,” Baker continued. “Classmates, thank the Lord, it’s finally here. I have loved every minute in getting to know you all better. Listening to all the achievements and future goals you all have brings me great pride to be a member of this class. You are all wonderful people, and I’m sincerely grateful for the time we’ve had together. The memories we have made will stay with me all my life, and even though I did get to know all of you completely, I know in my heart that each of you has an individuality, helping you to flourish in relationships, vocation, and existence. I wish nothing but the best for you all. To put you all at ease, I’m going to be very honest: this year was hard for me. I know you might find that hard to believe, since I’m standing here valedictorian, but trust me, it was no picnic. The only way I am here today is by the genuine grace of God, and Mrs. Sassmann, Mrs. Francis, and Mrs. Wolfe. This trio always had my back, and I cannot be more grateful to them for continuing to have faith in me, even when I didn’t give them much reason to. To keep a long story short, let’s just say trig got the better of me and I didn’t cope well, but the encouragement, faith, and grace of these educators and my mom enabled me to stand before you today. I am overwhelmed by the blessings I simply do not deserve.
Baker thanked her elementary teachers. “Your love and care for me as a young child helped craft my desire to learn. You loved me like your own, and as a student, I couldn’t ask for more. Often, elementary teachers are forgotten in these speeches simply due to my progression of time. But I want you all to know that I love you dearly, and the impact you’ve had on my life is too great to put into words. I want to thank Mrs. Churchill for encouraging me and my love of reading, especially my love for the Harry Potter books.”
She thanked Mrs. Voss, who was her preschool teacher and math teacher in middle school. “Your passion for your job goes without saying, but I would not be satisfied if I didn’t say how simply wonderful you are,” said Baker. “We all knew we could always tell you if we ever needed anything, whether it be a pencil, a hug, or much-needed wisdom. As middle-schoolers, we were often lacking all three.”
She also offered a special thank-you to Mrs. Francis, Mrs. Layton, and Mrs. Wells for letting her work on dual-credit assignments during class. “I probably would not be up here if not for you,” Baker added. “You are wonderful human beings, and I wish you nothing but all the happiness in the world. I want to thank all my coaches who have pushed me to excel in the sports I pursue. You taught me how hard work was necessary for improvement, and that perfection is, in fact, a myth.
“I want to thank my beloved friend, Madison, for listening to all my problems and for providing the grace and genuine love of Jesus I always needed,” Baker continued. “You were always there for me, and I can only hope to do the same for you. To my best friends, Kiana and Emma, for the bond you have made, the heartache, hugs, arguments, and, most importantly, laughter. I will miss our fits of laughter, overdramatic rants in the car, as well as weekend visits to each other’s houses, where I never felt not at home. To my mother and father, I’ll never be able to understand how you processed all my problems with grace and understanding, even when you got caught in the crossfire. I’m sorry for resisting when you wanted to talk, but I can’t wait for our conversations in the future. I don’t think I would have survived this year without you. I love you and I’m eternally grateful.
“To my dear sisters, thank you for providing two different but equally beautiful examples of character, love, and individuality,” Baker went on. “Thank you for teaching me the importance of speaking up and finding good friends, as well as the simple pleasures of dressing cute or watching a movie together. Thank you for the hugs, kisses, and always, the laughter. We are all growing up, and I’m a little nervous, but I’m so excited for our future together. No matter where you are, know that you always have the most special place in my heart. I love you and I’m beyond proud to call you my sisters. To my everlasting father, for the miracles I witnessed and experienced when I believed all hope to be lost; for the wonderful, beautiful people you have placed what I have and for the challenges and trials that have brought me closer to you and those around me: sometimes I don’t see you, and I forget how good you been to me. Please continue to remind me what was really important, and don’t let me forget all you’ve done for me. Give me courage in this next stage of my life to be completely myself. I don’t want to waste my life pretending. Make me genuine. I’m sorry; this ended up being a lot longer than I had originally anticipated. I didn’t know I had so much to say until I started typing. But I have one last piece of advice that I want to give, that I struggle with every single day. Know that people observe you, but live like no one is watching. You don’t always need to be perfect, so don’t try to be. If perfection is the goal, then you’re missing the whole point. Use the talent and all the things God has given you, and go out and discover the valuable purpose that you have.”
Salutatorian Kiana Hostetler told classmates that standing before them felt surreal. “We are now leaving the place in how we would never get out,” she said. “There are definitely moments that tested us, and we felt like the finish line was too far away. Now, here we are, and it’s funny because now we’re sad about having to leave, and it feels like the last four years have flown by. This feeling of unexpected change and bittersweet goodbyes is something we’ll carry with us as we step into whatever comes next. The memories and friendships I made here will stay with me forever, and I’m so excited to see where we all go from here.
“While we stand here and reminisce on all the things that we’ve been through, we also have a lot to look forward to,” Hostetler continued. “The next steps might not always be easy, but we’re lucky enough to be able to take these steps with the best people by our side. As we look ahead, it’s also important to look back and thank the people who helped us get here. To the community, thank you for always supporting us and all we do, and always coming out to cheer us on. To our teachers, thank you for dealing with us even when we made it hard, and for teaching us not only lessons about school, but things are able to take with us for life. To my classmates, thank you for all the laughs and amazing memories we have made. I’m lucky to say I got to spend the last four years with all of you, and I would not want to be graduating with anyone else. To the younger kids I’ve had the privilege of being friends with that I have to leave here. I’m beyond happy I got to know you, and I know you’re going to be amazing when you finish high school. Enjoy it while it lasts.
“To my parents, thank you for all the things you have sacrificed for me,” Hostetler said emotionally. “I would never be the person I am today without you. I love you guys. To my younger siblings, you make life so fun, and I know you’re going to crush the rest of school; I cannot wait to watch that. To my older sister, Shar, I can’t ask for anyone better. You made my first two years of high school the best ones. You push me in all that I do, and I will forever look up to you. Thank you for being a role model for me. Now, I’m going to start the new journey for all of us. Thank you, Linn High School; I’m forever grateful.”
Linn’s top 10 students were also recognized: co-valedictorians Vivien Baker and Emma Monnette (4.0), Kiana Hostetler (3.99), Lauren Jacquin (3.98), Haley Wibberg (3.97), Gracie Jo Schaefer (3.96), John Brandt (3.957), Leo Brandt (3.951), Myrrah Schnarr (3.94), and Braydin Kammerich (3.91).
LHS Guidance Counselor Shannon Wolfe announced that graduates had secured over $400,000 in scholarships, including A+. Graduate Dylan Neal was recognized for his decision to enlist in the military.
Graduates also presented flowers to special guests in attendance. The LHS choir performed under the direction of Tim Campbell, and the band played under Kevin Pierce’s direction.
https://www.unterrifieddemocrat.com/stories/voss-urges-linn-graduates-to-use-positive-language-to-improve-outlook-as-next-chapter-begins,163393?