Potter-Dix Graduates Nine Seniors

The bright and sunny afternoon was symbolic of the event as the communities of Potter and Dix came together to witness nine seniors formally complete their high school experience.

The gymnasium was decorated with memories, medals and ribbons of achievements. Family and friends entered with excitement of witnessing the students' achievement.

"This is the day we've all been waiting for," said Salutatorian John Thomas Herboldsheimer. "Now that is is here, I realize how much I will miss high school."

He said the high school experience had opportunities to be involved.

"Whether it is sports practice after school or extra speech practice on a Saturday, we always had something to do."

He addressed the graduating class, telling them how much he will miss them and their "easy-goingness." He thanked the coaches for the good memories and parents for their work and dedication. He encouraged the younger classes to value their time in high school.

"Enjoy high school while you still can. Before you know it, you will be up here too," he said.

Valedictorian Payge Hoffman talked about lessons learned along the high school journey.

"We made it, and we learned a thing or two along the way," she said.

Hoffman said not all of the lessons were in the classroom; some were lessons about life. She thanked the many teachers who have been instrumental in reaching graduation, but also recognized that sometimes lessons are found in breaking rules. She said while society encourages following rules, enjoyment in life can be found in not doing what is expected.

The guest speaker was Ryan Coffey. Coffey was introduced as known for talking with students, not to students. He talked about how quiet the 2018 senior class is.

"One day I thought about getting down on my knee and begging them to speak," Coffey said.

He referenced Abraham Lincoln's quote: "Better to be quiet and thought a fool than speak and remove all doubt."

"But obviously, they're not fools," he said.

He said the have been spending the last 18 years building their identity.

"You have all made the mentors in your lives very proud," he said.

He compared the process to building a house and the importance of a strong foundation.

"No matter what you decide for your life, your house, I know it will be beautiful," he said. "But remember: Mother Nature is out there with storms."

He added that storms can damage the house, but the damage can be repaired.

"Life is not about what you say. It is about what you do," he said.

JT Herboldsheimer stated he plans to attend the University of Wyoming and major in Mechanical Engineering. Payge Hoffman also plans to attend the University of Wyoming. She will be majoring in Pharmacy.

Audrey Juelfs plans to attend the Bryan College of Health Sciences and major in Nursing.

Trinity Langley will be attending Mid-Plains Community College North Platte where she will major in Elementary Education.

Dylan Nielsen will be going to work after graduation.

Decendis Serrano received a Laramie County Community Scholarship and will be studying Criminal Justice and Music Education.

Theodore Smith plans to work after graduation.

Sheighlyn Spaulding plans to attend Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and major in Animal Science.

Connor Williams plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in Secondary Education-History.