PHOTOS: Ankeny High School Graduates Reflect, Remember Before Saying Goodbye

Ankeny High School graduate Brandon Bolte used his commencement speech Sunday afternoon as a chance to re-do a class assignment he wished he’d done better.

Before family, friends, Ankeny teachers and administrators, Bolte “outlined” his final thoughts to the class of 2012, complete with headings, subheads and sub-points.

And according to Bolte, his message was one he and his fellow graduates could take with them when they start the next chapters of their lives.

“Outlines are the backbone that holds everything together, the support system that keeps us from getting off track,” Bolte said. “Whatever path we choose to take, we set for ourselves. We are responsible for making our own outlines now.”

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The class of 2012 marked the 99^th class to participate in the school’s commencement exercises, held May 20 at the Knapp Center on the Drake University campus in Des Moines.

Close to 500 graduates made the walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

The program also featured music by the Ankeny High School band. Katelyn McDevitt sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.” School board president George Tracy welcomed the graduates, as well as their friends and family.

In addition to Bolte, commencement addresses were given by graduates Shawna Grittman, Chad Norris and Darby Rourick.

Grittman said she’d never seen a class excel in as many things as hers. She also urged her fellow graduates to do what makes them happy and be ready for mistakes when they happen.

“Let your own story unfold and everything will work out in the end,” Grittman said.

Rourick recounted growing up with her classmates and how everyone knew what they wanted to be when they were younger.

“We all had different dreams, but mostly, we just wanted to grow up,” she said.

She said the class of 2012 set the bar high for other classes, adding she felt “blessed” to be a part of it.

“I hope we do everything we can to live our lives to the fullest, because our lives are really just starting and we still have so much to do,” she said. “So go forward and do what you will with your life, but enjoy it.”

Commencement also marked a goodbye for Ankeny High School principal Brenda Colby, who will leave her spot at the high school next school year to lead the district in the development of educational programs for at-risk students.

Through tears, she bid farewell to the last class to graduate under her leadership.

“Always remember where you came from and the people who helped care for you,” she said.

As district administrators sent students into the next chapter of their lives, many were confident the students would have no trouble succeeding in whatever they chose to do.

Superintendent Matthew Wendt urged graduates to put others needs before their own and to always take the high road.

“I ask that you become the very change you want to see in the world,” Wendt said. “My hope is you’ll find your place in this world to lead others and let today only be the beginning.”