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Ready for the next chapter

MNW says goodbye to 52 seniors

By Deanna Meyer 4 min read

MANSON -- Thirteen years of focus and commitment culminated in a day to remember for 52 Manson Northwest Webster graduates Sunday as they celebrated commencement ceremonies in the high school gymnasium.

"We are here to honor each of you as you take that next step in life," said Principal Kenny Shannon.

He told the MNW Class of 2024 that life can be defined by two steps -- first, finding their gifts and talents, and second, sharing those gifts and talents with the world to make it a better place.

The challenge, Shannon said, is to continue to grow and mature to make step No. 2 a reality.

For Manson Northwest Webster graduates, some of those next steps include college, while others are entering the armed forces and still others plan to enter the workforce.

Three seniors achieved the distinction of being tied for class valedictorian and the privilege of addressing their classmates one last time. Those seniors were Rilynn Lawman and siblings Jared and Lydia Stopczynski.

Lawman reminisced about growing up in MNW schools, where she and her classmates played kickball and took naps for granted in elementary school, graduated to the "unnecessary drama" of middle school, and finally reached high school where they began to branch out and be who they wanted to be.

"We learned how to be teammates, leaders, motivators and overall better people," she said.

Lawman said there may have been moments her peers thought graduation wouldn't happen, "but here we are sitting in our caps and gowns waiting for our name to be called to get our diplomas."

"We did it; you did it," she said. "And once you receive your diploma, your life will be in your hands and you will be able to accomplish great things."

Next to address the class was Jared Stopczynski, who said that while graduation is "a huge accomplishment," his class did a lot of big things throughout high school.

He reminded his peers of the many life skills they learned, not only through their classes, but through participating in sports and the fine arts. A personal favorite memory for Stopczynski was beating Pocahontas Area in football, which he described as a "huge dream come true."

He also highlighted the MNW dance and speech teams' successes.

"To make all these different dreams come true, it took a ton of hard work and lots of support from our parents, teachers and coaches," he said.

He reminded his classmates to "thank those people who have helped you achieve your goals up to this point and who will continue to be there for you as more of your dreams come true."

Lydia Stopczynski gave the final address, sharing three lessons she's learned that "go beyond the textbooks and lectures."

The first lesson is to "surround yourself with good people."

"Your friends will influence your choices, your actions and your attitude," she said.

But even more important, she said, is to be a good person for others to be around.

"In doing this, good people will gravitate toward you and your positive energy as you strive to be the best you can be."

Second, Lydia Stopczynski stressed the importance of hard work, saying their future occupations -- whatever they may be -- will all require hard work.

"I believe that success comes through hard work," she said. "Success isn't just given to you because you wish for it; you have to work for it."

Finally, she advised her peers that "change is not a bad thing." Stopczynski said change has helped her develop confidence, people skills and new outlooks on life.

"Don't let the fear of change stop you from experiencing a whole new world."

As the MNW Class of 2024 prepared to embark on the next chapter, Stopczynski sent them off with the words of Dr. Seuss: "You're off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so ... get on your way."

A few moments later, after each senior was called to the stage to receive their diploma, the Class of 2024 moved their tassels from right to left, signifying the completion of their high school careers.

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