Lyman was one of 49 graduates to accept their high school diplomas.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far,” he said. “Those people include my parents, family, coaches, teachers, administrators, friends, my brother.”

Lyman said he was happy to be part of the school’s baseball team.

“We had a baseball team with a winning record for the first time in many years,” he said.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Ashley Deleon, 11, of Eagle Grove, holds a balloon congratulating her sister Cynthia Deleon on her graduation Sunday afternoon during the commencement at Robert Blue Middle School. At left is Alfonso Nestor. To Deleon’s right is mother Linda Andrade.

Lyman plans to attend Iowa Central Community College and transfer to a university to pursue a degree in biology.

He appreciates the memories of high school.

“I am so proud to be part of this class and call us Eagles,” he said. “I’ll never forget the great times I had in school. I learned so many things.”

He added, “My message to all of my classmates is never forget where we came from. Thank you.”

Lyman’s brother, Saxon Lyman, was the class salutatorian. Saxon Lyman plans to attend Iowa Central Community College and transfer to Iowa State University in Ames to major in civil engineering.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Emily Wilson’s graduation cap is shown here. Wilson, 18, graduated from Eagle Grove High School Sunday afternoon.

In his speech, Saxon Lyman said he tries to focus on the happy, funny moments he shared with his classmates.

He reminisced about some of the school’s accomplishments in sports.

“In baseball, we upset Forest City in extra innings in the first round of districts,” he said.

In football, his favorite accomplishment was beating Clarion-Goldfield-Dows as a senior.

Jeff Siebersma, high school principal, congratulated the graduates.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Three Eagle Grove High school students practice tossing their caps prior to commencement at Robert Blue Middle School Sunday afternoon. Pictured left to right: Niko Padilla, 18, Hallie Jeske, 18, and Colton Poncin, 18.

“In a short time you will receive your diplomas,” Siebersma said. “This is a symbol of your hard work over the past 14 years.”

He added, “Take time today to celebrate your efforts and thank those who have helped you along the way.”

He offered his advice to the graduates.

“If you attack life like attacking a last second shot in basketball, you will find that anything is possible even if it takes a few attempts to get the ball in the hoop,” he said. “The key is to keep trying and put yourself in a position to succeed.”

He added, “If you stay positive, you will realize the more attempts you take in life, the more opportunities you will have to succeed. Take pride in your community and when you decide on a profession, don’t be afraid to come back and be a part of Eagle Grove. I would like to wish the class of 2018 the best of luck as you begin your journey.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Wendy Fisher, of Eagle Grove, poses for a picture with her son, Caleb Goodhue, 18, Sunday afternoon at Robert Blue Middle School. Goodhue was one of 49 Eagle Grove graduates.

The top 10 academic achievers of the class were recognized.

They are: Ravyn Armstead, Austin Hill, Brayden Lyman, Saxon Lyman, Cody Mickelson, Benjamin Nessa, Jacob Nett, Isaiah Newkirk, Ryan Smith, and Kearra Steil.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Lexy Beck, 18, holds her diploma during commencement at Robert Blue Middle School Sunday afternoon.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Niko Padilla’s graduation cap is shown here. Padilla, 17, was one of 49 Eagle Grove High School graduates to receive their diplomas Sunday afternoon at Robert Blue Middle School.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson John Mosley, 17, an Eagle Grove High School graduate, checks his phone prior to commencement Sunday afternoon at Robert Blue Middle School.