I had the pleasure of sitting next to Mr. and Mrs. Rick and Jackie Schultz during the 2024 graduation ceremony at NRHEG.
Rick thanked me numerous times for the quality coverage we provide of the school district.
I responded with gratitude, and, because this isn’t the first time he’s stopped to thank me, told him I’m grateful my life is spent dedicated to writing about people and places I care deeply about.
This graduating class felt more special than in years past.
Not necessarily because the students were any different, but because I am a different person.
The more I interact with the ‘movers and shakers’ at NRHEG–the people who make programs like graduation run so smoothly–the more I appreciate how much hard work and attention to detail it takes.
Not only that, but this was also my opportunity to say goodbye to a fantastic group of kids. Their pictures and stories will forever hold a place in the archives of the Star Eagle, the scrapbooks of many moms and dads, and oh, so many kitchen refrigerators.
This week is, for the most part, my last chance to write about these fine young men and women. I’m grateful for this opportunity.
Rick also said it was an interesting opportunity for him to see a reporter in action. As always, I hope my running around for photos didn’t distract him. Despite the thousands of dollars in camera equipment and more than a decade of experience working at the paper, I still feel like I could have taken better photos. During the parent appreciation portion of the program, I really wish I could have had 12 cameras, all taking photos from different spots.
This year’s program felt like it was done in the blink of an eye. I imagine that’s how most everyone in the audience felt about their children's high school careers.
Over in a flash.
I would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who helped put together graduation this year. I especially liked the addition of the video time capsule of the graduating class. That was special.
It was interesting to see Mr. Berg perform his first graduation ceremony. He sounded a little nervous. Nonetheless, he did a fine job.
I had the pleasure of being Mr. Berg’s student in seventh and eighth grades. He taught history, geography, and social studies. I will never forget my last day of class with him in eighth grade. He asked us students to write him a review, tell him “how we honestly felt about his performance as a teacher, and his class.”
I used the entire sheet of paper.
I informed him I really enjoyed his class. He was a very fair teacher and grader; he did a good job delivering information to us students, and for the most part, kept the class lively enough that it wasn't boring. To be fair, I’ve always been a fan of history.
My one critique I saved for the end. I wrote, “Berg, please look more excited while you're teaching!”
I knew then and I know now, that he did and does enjoy teaching. Ever since that day, every time I see Berg, he seems to emanate a little more emotion.
The teachers, coaches and faculty at NRHEG do fantastic jobs. Not every day is perfect, but this graduation sure made it feel that way.
I wish well to the class of ‘24 graduates and the retiring teachers going out alongside them.
Teri Kormann, you were a rock in the NRHEG office every day of my life from the time I walked through the doors as a preschooler. I knew I could always count on you, whenever I needed anything. Period. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for providing me that comfort throughout my time as a student, and later, as an adult who continues to work within the district.