January 29, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Closing address by Garren Meeker

I would like to thank everyone for coming to the graduating ceremony of the class of 2021.

Whether that be in person, or virtually, thank you for being here.

When I thought about writing this speech I thought I could put off the inevitable.

This year has been full of firsts for us all, but it has been accumulated with a list of lasts. For some of us it was the last time we would sit in the cafeteria to eat with our friends, the last time some would partake in a high school sport, and for a lot of us the last time we were taught by our favorite teachers.

Sadly, the inevitable has come and I stand here before you all giving this speech.

The idea of being a high school graduate is now only an idea, and we are to continue with our lives beyond Saint Joseph Ogden High School. I don’t think we can plan for this new adventure, as this past year has proven life is full of unexpected turns. But with the unknowing inevitable that lies before us, we will all be going forward better people because of this school. I cannot say what the future holds, but I do know that Saint Joseph Ogden High School has played a great part in that future, because once a Spartan always a Spartan.

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