More than 130 Chieftains graduate during Sunday’s commencement

Published 10:50 am Monday, June 5, 2017

By Ted Yoakum

For many of Dowagiac Union High School senior Douglas VanTuyle’s classmates, Sunday’s graduation ceremony marked a time to celebrate, as they officially began their lives after high school.

While certainly a positive day for the Dowagiac student as well, VanTuyle reminded his fellow Chieftains that they should take some time to reflect on their accomplishments — and their time with one another — before they find themselves consumed by the relentless onslaught of duties spawned from college, their future careers and their families, and whatever else lies before them after they turn their tassels that afternoon.

Standing in front of the podium, with hundreds of emotional parents, grandparents, siblings and others in the community listening to his words from the stands of Chris Taylor Alumni Field, the Class of 2017 valedictorian offered two pieces of advice for the rest of the class as they prepare for adulthood.

“Laugh a lot, and say ‘thank you’ as much as you can,” VanTuyle said, during his speech that afternoon. “It may sound corny, but I believe these two acts can give you as stable a basis as any philosophy.”

VanTuyle was one of 131 Dowagiac Union High School seniors who received their diplomas during the school’s 152nd commencement ceremony. Of those students, nearly half graduated with 3.0 GPA or higher, said Superintendent Paul Hartsig, who also spoke Sunday.

The superintendent, as he has done in previous ceremonies, shared with the audience some of the successes members of the Class of 2017 have under their belt, including earning a combined 772 college credits before earning their high school diplomas and receiving more than $750,000 worth of scholarships.

“With all your accomplishments in hand, you must remember that, while the journey was yours to make, you did not walk alone,” Hartsig said. “Remember those who have helped you along the way: your families, friends, teachers and others. Make sure to help others along the way, when the opportunity presents itself. Be part of the greater good, and, most importantly, do good things.”

During her speech, Salutatorian Kayla Cromer thanked the high school and district leadership for opening doors for her and her classmates. Due to the school’s dual enrollment program with Southwestern Michigan College, the senior has already finished her first year of college with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“Looking at the future, there will be many challenges, but hard work always pays off with great rewards,” Cromer said. “I’m excited to see what my fellow classmates and I can achieve. I wish the best for my class.”

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