September 17, 2025 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

Employees help co-worker during time of need

February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

The staff at the St. Joseph Subway wanted to help April Patton. Manager Adam Porter said his co-worker said she...

‘Wanting to serve this community has been my passion’

December 7, 2020

December 7, 2020

Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges cares about St. Joseph. It is why she is running for reelection tonight at the Republican Caucus....

10 things you don’t know about me… Brad Krall

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week it is Brad Krall,...

10 things you don’t know about me… Steve Peters

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Steve is a member of the St. Joseph Zoning Board and a Paramedic / Firefighter with the St. Joseph- Stanton...

Kids Say…

August 1, 2019

August 1, 2019

Students from PVO South tell us if they would like to be a farmer. This post is sponsored by Longview...

Kids say…

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

This week the students are second graders at Prairieview-Ogden South. This post is sponsored by Longview Bank. Would you like...

10 things you don’t know about me… The Gary Olson Family

September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022

The GARY OLSON FAMILY is being inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame tonight. Gary and Nancy Olson and their...

Kids say… St. Joseph Second Grade

March 14, 2019

March 14, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

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...

‘I’m so thankful and grateful for this opportunity’

February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022

Amy Gibbons is celebrating a birthday. Salon 192 opened two years ago today. “The past two years have definitely been...

Donation could change the face of sports and activities at SJO

February 16, 2021

February 16, 2021

An anonymous donor has made St. Joseph-Ogden High School an offer they couldn’t refuse. And because of it, SJO athletic...

‘I have absolutely loved portraying her’

April 3, 2022

April 3, 2022

Sophia McDade loves everything about the Addams Family production. The senior, who is acting in her second show with the...

Church adapts during pandemic

December 5, 2020

December 5, 2020

COVID-19 has changed how the St. Joseph Church of Christ has done things this year. This includes letting the YMCA...

Senior Spotlight with Jordan Stiverson

October 2, 2019

October 2, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Jordan Stiverson. 1. What is the...

‘We can’t wait to be back’

April 8, 2020

April 8, 2020

Amy Gibbons, the owner of Salon 192, is urging people not to do anything rash. That means resisting the urge...

Comments
Leave a Reply