The Brandywine High School graduating class of 2011 put their best face forward Sunday, during commencement — simply by showing up.

Superintendent John Jarpe said not a single member of the senior class failed to graduate under what he called “the toughest graduation requirements” in the district’s existence.

“One hundred percent of you did it,” Jarpe said. “You did it, you stayed and you stuck with it and today you are my champions.”

What seemed to be a repeated theme throughout the ceremony was gratitude. Dennis Cooper, president of the district’s board of education, reminded students to thank those that helped get them to where they were, on the verge of receiving their high school diploma.
Jarpe also asked graduates to consider their future and he read to them from Dr. Seuss’ famous book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”

Sunday’s commencement was the 49th for the district and featured U.S. Rep. Fred Upton as the ceremony’s guest speaker.

“Time goes by so fast, doesn’t it?” Upton asked the graduates before him.

As he spoke, Upton talked about the curve balls life may have in store for each of the members of Brandywine’s senior class. He shared with them his hopes of one day becoming a sports writer.
One day, Upton said, that all changed when in Washington D.C. he received a phone call.

“This is Ronny Reagan,” Upton said, adding his career path eventually took a different turn.

He encouraged those graduates to be prepared for “unforeseen obstacles.”

“Life often throws you a curve ball,” he said. “Changing your course of direction.

“As you pursue your dream,” Upton told graduates to remember life should be lived, “with integrity rather than animosity to unexpected adversity.”

Also addressing the class of 2011, the school’s four co-Valedictorians and salutatorian, Jacob Wieger, Nicholas Srmek, Theresa Meador, Lena Miles and Taylor Mattiford.

Friends and family also heard from the senior class choir and band, who each performed “This is our Time” and “Heartland Overture” respectively.