CHS says goodbye to its seniors

Sixty-four Custer High School graduates received their diplomas Saturday during the school’s graduation ceremony at the armory.
The ceremony began as the graduates entered the gym as the CHS band played “Pomp and Circumstance.”
 This was followed by a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by the CHS choir, under the direction of Ms. Hannah Rehmeier.
Graduates and attendees were welcomed by Custer High School principal Tobey Cass and Custer School District superintendent Mark Naugle. Student body president and graduating senior Emily Borkowski served as master of ceremonies for the event.
In his welcome, Naugle, an alumnus of Custer High School, reminisced on his own graduation from CHS.  He said that this year will be his 40th class reunion.
Following welcomes, the Custer High School choir joined by graduating members, delivered a sentimental performance of a song about friends parting ways—quite fitting for a graduation ceremony.
Then, valedictorian Sidney Garcia delivered her speech to fellow graduates and the rest of the crowd. In her speech, Garcia highlighted the importance of making the most of the cards you’ve been dealt. She encouraged her fellow graduates to persevere through anything life sends their way.
“Remember, your life is in your own hands,” said Garcia.
Chosen by the class to speak at the graduation was Hannah Rehmeier, the Jr./Sr. High School choir teacher.
“I hope you fail,” Rehmeier told students in her speech. She said people rarely change for the better when they’re in their comfort zone or not working very hard. Her advice to students was to embrace failure, using it as an opportunity for learning and growth.  Rehmeier ended her speech with a quote from the sitcom Friends: “Life sucks. You’re going to love it.”
After the presentation of honors and diplomas, graduates ceremoniously moved the tassels on their caps to the other side, balloons were dropped from the ceiling and graduates were sent on their way as the Custer High School fight song was played by the CHS band.