Davis was one of 60 Eagle Grove graduates to walk the stage Sunday afternoon inside Robert Blue Middle School in Eagle Grove.

“We worked very hard to get to this milestone in our lives,” Davis said. “But we didn’t do it alone.”

Davis thanked teachers, paraeducators, and staff members for their contributions.

He also thanked all of the parents.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Megan Larsen, 18, left, and April Garcia, 18, display their graduation caps prior to graduating Eagle Grove Community High School at Robert Blue Middle School Sundaya afternoon.

“Thank you parents, because without you, we literally wouldn’t be here,” he said.

Davis was happy that all the graduates were able to gather together at least one more time.

“I never thought we would be able to show up at the same place and the same time, but look,” he said. “Here we are.”

“Today will eventually be a memory, too,” he added.

Davis left his classmates with a quote from George Bernard Shaw, a famous Irish playwright.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Carlos Lobato, 18, brushes up on his literacy skills by reading an excerpt from The Complete Adventures of Curious George prior to to graduating from Eagle Grove High School Sunday afternoon. Natalie Varland, 18, looks on.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself; life is about creating yourself,” Davis said. “Do what you love to do.”

Sarah Wilson was the class salutatorian.

Wilson said she’s not quite ready to move on from her life at EGHS.

“I am so not ready ‘to adult,'” she said.

Adulting is a slang term used to describe being a responsible adult.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Allyson Plain, 18, left, and Allison Purcell, 18, sit together at Robert Blue Middle School Sunday afternoon prior to graduating from Eagle Grove Community High School.

“Guess what I got in my mail the other day?” Wilson asked. “Jury duty.”

The crowd erupted with laughter.

On a more serious note, Wilson thanked her classmates and teachers for their support.

“I also want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for getting me to this point,” she said.

Wilson ended her speech by addressing her classmates.

“Class of 2017, good luck to all of you,” she said.

Jeff Siebersma, high school principal, said the same qualities that helped seniors get to where they are, will also be the same ones to help them in the future.

“Seniors, your hard work and determination got you here today,” he said. “Those qualities will leave with you and enter into the next stage of your life.”

Siebersma said graduates will continue to face challenges in life.

“If you want big things in life, you will have to prove yourself in many ways,” he said. “Your hard work and determination will be vital in obtaining these goals.”

Never give up on your dreams and enjoy all the experiences along the way,” he added.

Siebersma asked that students be proud of their roots.

“When you walk away from the school as graduates and return as alumni, be proud of your accomplishments and your community,” he said. “Use the knowledge and experiences you have gained here at Eagle Grove to propel yourself into your journey to accomplish your dreams and your goals.”

Siebersma added, “I would like to wish the class of 2017 the best of luck as you begin your journey beyond Eagle Grove Community School District.”