March 24, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

‘I will always have memories that I won’t forget’ by Kenly Taylor

Hello! I’d like to take a few minutes to welcome each and every one of you to the St. Joseph-Ogden class of 2020 commencement ceremony.

Whether you are joining us virtually or physically, we are thankful to have you here. I know this isn’t how any of us pictured our graduation going.

Personally, I have sat through six consecutive graduations watching four of my cousins and two of my siblings walk across this stage. And now it’s my turn. Although this situation may not be ideal, I honestly probably would not have been able to stand up here and talk in front of hundreds of people.

I’m freaking out enough as it is talking in front of 10 people.

I wish our class could’ve had the opportunity to finish our final year at SJO together. But, where we may see missed opportunities for many amazing memories, others may see many benefits to having so much free time or the longest spring break in the history of spring breaks.

No matter what, I will always have memories that I won’t forget such as creating a bond between me and my volleyball teammates, being a part of the first unofficial hacky sack team at SJO, competing with my class at spartalympics, cheering in the maroon platoon, and so much more. This may be the end of a chapter, but it’s not the end of our book. We have so much to be thankful for despite our current and unfortunate situation. Just remember that God is in control.

Thank you again, friends, family, teachers, administrators, and community for your endless support and for joining us in the celebration of this milestone. We appreciate each one of you. Congratulations class of 2020!!!

You can watch the graduation ceremony here.

in Life
Banner
Related Posts

Village hires administrator

June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021

The Village of St. Joseph has its administrator.During its June 22 meeting the village board voted to hire Joseph Hackney....

Ask the doctor: Do adults need vaccines?

November 4, 2020

November 4, 2020

“Do adults need vaccines?” By: Jeanelle Murphy, DO Yes, adults definitely should have vaccines and keep up their childhood vaccines...

Proposal would expand Sports Complex

February 14, 2019

February 14, 2019

Jim Page has a vision for the Sports Complex. The St. Joseph resident feels Woodard Family Park is under utilized...

St. Joseph man peacefully protests against police brutality: ‘We need to listen’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

Jon Arteaga isn’t looking for any praise by protesting at the corner of Main Street and Route 150 in St....

It takes a Christmas village

December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024

Roberta Morris’ childhood dream was to be an architect. Instead, she worked as a pipe fitter at the Clinton Nuclear...

SJO community mourns death of Glenn Fisher: ‘He had a heart of gold’

January 12, 2021

January 12, 2021

Glenn Fisher liked to tease people. Whether he was telling the newly hired football coach at St. Joseph-Ogden High School...

Sweet Home Alabama

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

Eve Owens knew she wanted to go South. So when she was trying to decide where to go to college...

10 things you don’t know about me… Kathy McCormick

May 13, 2021

May 13, 2021

What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing outside with the neighborhood kids – every summer day until dark. What was...

‘There is no one more deserving of this honor’

June 26, 2020

June 26, 2020

Glenn Fisher loves St. Joseph-Ogden High School. For decades, Fisher’s main concern was that the facilities and sports fields at...

Giving back: Short wins St. Joseph Chamber Citizen of the Year

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Tim Short loves St. Joseph. He and his wife, Amy, moved to St. Joseph in 1992 and never thought of...

U of I names December 2020 graduates

May 14, 2021

May 14, 2021

The University of Illinois has released their list of 2020 December graduates.These area students graduated in December. ST. JOSEPHLauren GhernaKohlten...

Dairy Barn still for sale

July 6, 2022

July 6, 2022

The Sidney Dairy Barn is still for sale. Listed for sale in mid-June, the iconic ice cream stand has yet...

More than a coach: SJO to honor Duval with field dedication ceremony Friday night

August 19, 2021

August 19, 2021

An educator. A coach. A friend. A husband. A father. A community icon. On Friday night the community and high...

‘I’m so excited for this journey’ Schlueter to open restaurant in former Scratch location

October 10, 2022

October 10, 2022

40 Eighty-Eight is coming to St. Joseph. Owner Christian Schlueter said he chose the name for his new restaurant because...

‘It has been an honor to care for you and your families’

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Patients of Dr. Jeanelle Murphy got some not so jolly news at the beginning of December. Their doctor is leaving...

Comments
Leave a Reply