Sidney High graduates 75 students

As a slide show for each Sidney High senior who was part of the graduating class of 2015 played before they walked across the stage, cameras snapped, friends cheered on their peers and parents laughed until they cried and cried until they laughed again.

That was all part of the annual commencement ceremony held on Sunday afternoon where 75 students received diplomas.

Sidney Public Schools Superintendent Jay Ehler gave the welcome speech by commending the community of Sidney and the parents who send their children to Sidney Public Schools.

"These young men and women are ready to greet the future, knowing their possibilities are limitless they are prepared and ready to move on to life beyond Sidney High School," Ehler said. "It's gratifying to see that you have matured and become proficient, you are prepared for new challenges and to work toward new goals, you are ready for new opportunities and changes that await you.

"Have faith in yourself and the unique individual you are, be true to yourself. Instead of the world changing you, you go help change the world. Find what you love, be passionate about it and be kind and considerate to others. There is a great need for generous, caring people in our world," he added.

He concluded by wishing the graduates well on their future endevours.

Principal Chris Arent recognized Savanna Rosenbaum, daughter of David and Janet Rosenbaum as the class salutatorian for 2015.

The valedictorian was Hayden Lienemann, the son of Dan Lienemann and Jean Von Seggern. He stood before the crowd to present his speech about time and memories at Sidney High School.

"While preparing to write this speech, I was trying to think of something wise to say, something that would impress you or make you think, and then I realized, I'm only 18, I don't have the experience necessary to be considered wise. Instead of focusing this speech on wisdom, I'm going to focus on a more relatable theme, time," Lienemann said.

He discussed his and his classmates journey through elementary, middle and high school in Sidney. Lienemann also recognized the many accomplishments that have been achieved in academics, clubs and activities and especially athletics.

"Why did I talk about our time in the Sidney school system? To demonstrate the fact that our time has not been wasted. We've done some great things, like most recently, parking a car on the high school stage, and hopefully, we will continue to not waste our time as we walk off this stage and into the next stages of our lives."

Lienemann finished his speech by thanking the parents, coaches, teachers and friends who made it possible for the Class of 2015 to be on stage.

Students who received a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher were presented with the Sidney School Board Award. An Honor Course of Study Award was also given to students who successfully completed the honor courses with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Several students who received scholarships were also recognized by guidance counselor Tess Plummer.

The graduating seniors walked across the stage one by one to receive their diplomas from Sidney Board of Education President Tom Von Seggern.

The graduates were then led by class president Vanessa Riley in moving their tassels from right to left before being officially recognized as the graduating Class of 2015.