“We’ve accomplished so much” is the way Manhattan High graduating senior Eli Redeker started his portion of the commencement speech during Sunday’s ceremony for more than 400 graduates. And Redeker had high praise for his graduating class saying “This is the greatest group of people on the face of the Earth.” Redeker also stressed the opportunity for graduates to be whatever they want to be, adding their numerous differences are to be celebrated.
Manhattan High graduating senior Summer Senn shared a song she’d written with her fellow graduates Sunday. Senn talked about the importance of individuality and also mentioned the importance of families and talked about a clean slate for the graduates.
Principal Terry McCarty pointed out accomplishments of the class of 2013 at the beginning of the ceremony, with more than a million dollars in scholarships earned by the class members. USD 383 Supt. Bob Shannon was pleased with the class, indicating his hopes for the class, saying “we welcome their insight, energy and optimism.” School Board president Dave Colburn officially accepted the class, which included his own daughter “Cat.”
The ceremony was viewed by an estimated eight-thousand people, including troops from Fort Riley stationed overseas.
