Matthew Bado • College/Future Plans: Kent State• Major: Political Science/Economics• Your life’s theme song: Rebecca Black’s hit

single, “Friday”• Spirit animal: I don’t have one but

somebody told me that it should be a vampire bat (because allegedly, I suck the joy out of everything) .

Kenzi Beall• College/Future Plans: The University of

Cincinnati • Major: Criminal Justice• Food that describes your personality:

Coffee. Rich, complex, and BOLD. • Spirit animal: Bearcat

Brigette Beggs• College/Future Plans: Olivet Nazarene

University• Major: Youth Ministry• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Color

Guard• Number one on your bucket list: Hike the

Appalachian Mountains from start to finish.• Most embarrassing moment: Tripping

Kaylee Boney• College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Human development and family

studies• Food that describes your personality:

Chocolate covered pretzels because I’m salty and sweet.

• Weirdest thing you’ve seen posted on Twitter or Facebook: Everything by Amanda Bynes.

Dean BrinkCollege/Future Plans: Auto MechanicMajor: UndecidedNumber one on your bucket list: Go hunting and fishing in Alaska.Spirit animal: Panda

Colin Causey• College/Future Plans: The University of

Findlay • Major: Computer Science/ Philosophy• Number one on your bucket list: Witness

a miracle.• Spirit animal: Dog

Tyler Clark• College/Future Plans: Farming after high

school • Favorite school memory: We spent 2 hours

looking for a cat Ms. Bowersox lost. • Weirdest moment with a teacher: I threw

up on Mrs. Patterson while riding the swinging boat at the fair.

Kayla Conine• College/Future Plans: Study abroad in Italy

before 4-year college• Major: Physical Therapy• Weirdest moment with a teacher: A sub

bus driver almost gave me CPR when I fell asleep on my way to school (I’m a really heavy sleeper).

• Food that describes your personality: Jawbreaker, because I have a hard, shy shell, but a lot of layers underneath if you take the time to find them.

Austin Corey• College/Future Plans: Owens Community

College• Major: Exercise Science• If you could have one teacher for your

parent, whom would you pick and why: I wouldn’t replace my parents, but Mr. Obenour is pretty cool.

• Food that describes your personality: Steak because I am tough.

Brittany Crotinger • College/Future Plans: Animal Behavior

College• Major: Animal Grooming• Most embarrassing moment: When I

tripped down the stairs and rolled my ankle.• Weirdest moment with a teacher: When

I told my 6th grade teacher to stop flirting with my mom.

Dear class of 2014, Dear Class of 2014,

We’d like to take the time to show appreciation for the arduous years you have spent here at Van Buren. We would like to thank you for the time and effort you have put into becoming a vital part of the Black Knight school and community. The amount of knowledge held by the class of 2014 has taken you this far and will continue to carry you to a future full of successes. The class of 2014 cannot be replaced, but as underclassmen, we hope to carry on the high standards you have set.

We cherish all the memories you have given us and continue to give. For many years, you’ve guided us, teaching us what tests to cram for, how to handle break-ups, and always lent a helping hand. From the student sections to prom and homecoming, you have been a part of some of our fondest memories. Now, it’s our turn to take the lead and follow in your footsteps. We thank you for forging the path that we will now follow to lead us to success.

As you move towards your promising future, we vow to remain your biggest fans. Your friendships mean the world to us. Even as you leave us behind as a part of your past, we feel blessed to know we were a small part of the people you will become. Thanks for the laughs and here’s to the tears as we finish high school without you. We wish you the best of luck in everything you do. Keep dreaming big, and remember, “The journey doesn’t start at the beginning, it begins at the end.”

Love,

The Ones Left Behind

Senior Tribute

Remember When?

From kindergarten test screening to putting the final seal on our senior year with our writing portfolios, there are many memories that have filled the time in between at Van Buren. As the final days of our journey here have come to a close, take some time to reminisce over the moments of the past that may or may not have been forgotten, and in many ways define our time here. Even for those that were not here for the entire 13 years, many of these moments may still induce a smile, and remind you that the educational curriculum of all of us once began consisting entirely of crayons.

•Some had to take Mrs. Webster’s first grade class in a trailer

•Flash mob freshman year to “Don’t Stop Believing”

•Put n Bay Bike disaster ••Elementary marriage between

Kelly McCartney and Tyler Clark••The boys thought it was cool to

highlight and spike their hair with frosted tips

••Middle school Friday nights

spent at the Cube••When Alisa Warren (aka Yao

Ming) towered over everyone••Playing under the bleachers at

football games ••Letter people in Kindergarten••Buying your parents awful

gifts from Santa’s Workshop in elementary

••Rachell Resnik and Mac Williams

rocked out the transition glasses

••Anna Higgs. Enough said.••Bree Starr added an extra E to

her name.

Jessica Cunningham • College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Integrated Language Arts Education

for Adolescent/Young Adults• Biggest Fear: The unlived life• Life’s theme song: “In My Life” by The

Beatles or “Broken Wings” by Mighty Mongo

Mary Davidson • College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Human Development and Family

Studies • College Extracurricular Pursuits: Honors• Number one on your bucket list: Skydiving• Life’s theme song: “Started From the

Bottom” by Drake

Amber Davis• College/Future Plans: Owens Community

College• Major: Ultrasound Technology• Biggest Fear: Rodents• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted on

Twitter or Facebook: A guy posted a picture of himself wearing dark eye makeup and red lipstick.

Alex Dewey• College/Future Plans: Undecided• Major: Undecided• Most embarrassing moment: When I was

in study hall I went to take my sweatshirt off and my actual shirt came off with it.

• Spirit animal: Dolphin

Michael Domke• College/Future Plans: Rose-Hulman • Major: Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering• If you could have one teacher for your

parent, whom would you pick and why: Mr. V., just a cool, down to Earth guy.

• Food that describes your personality: Mashed potatoes because they’re white and kinda boring.

Madi Endicott • College/Future Plans: Ashland University• Major: Exercise Science• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Honors• Weirdest moment with a teacher: I called

Sundy “mom” within the first couple months of knowing her. I was embarrassed, but she just laughed.

• Life’s Theme Song: “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

Brandon Edelbrock• College/Future Plans: The University of

Findlay • Major: Biology• Favorite school memory: Any time we

weren’t at school.• Number one on your bucket list:

Backpack/hike through Canada.

Austin Essinger • College/Future Plans: Heidelberg• Major: Computer Programing and Game

Development• If you could have one teacher for your

parent, whom would you pick and why: Mr. Bartlett because he is one of the funniest teachers here and he is really laid back.

• Food that describes your personality: Spaghetti, I like to hang loose.

Kayla Farr • College/Future Plans: Undecided• Major: Business and Criminal Justice• Favorite school memory: Going to

Nationals for Cosmetology• Most embarrassing moment: Hit myself in

the face with a flag one year for a football game.

Michelle Flanagan • College/future plans: The University of

Cincinnati• Major: Journalism• College/Extracurricular Pursuits: Honors• Food that describes your personality:

Zingers because I am full of crap, but I’m delicious.

• Teacher you’d most like to have for a parent and why: Coach Schumaker, because he’s already the dad of our dysfunctional cross country family, who makes fun of us all the time, but it’s hilarious and we dish it right back.

Robyn Flick• College/Future Plans: Ashland University• Major: Nursing• Most embarrassing moment: The time I fell

on the treadmill at a hotel for Courtney Van Horn’s birthday. I was still hanging on and all my friends just watched me flop all over the place until I let go and slammed against the wall.

• Weirdest moment with a teacher: I’m pretty sure I called Mrs. Deter “mom” in second grade.

Zara Fournier• College/Future Plans: Owens Community

College• Major: Undecided• Biggest Fear: Snakes• Weirdest moment with a teacher: When

Mr. Palko caught me cheating. Whoops!

Emily Foust• College/Future Plans: Coastal Carolina• Major: Resort Management• Biggest fear: Swimming in the ocean• Weirdest moment with a teacher: Driving

to practice with Mrs. Nye and her bra falls out of the car visor.

Aaron Franklin• College/Future Plans: 4-year college• Major: Pre-Law (Business)• Most embarrassing moment: Opening the

door of the girls’ bathroom in middle school.• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted on

Twitter or Facebook: Video of a pregnant girl’s belly.

Jenna Gallello • College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Forensic Chemistry• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Honors• If you could have one teacher to be your

parent, whom would it be and why: Mr. Schumaker, because he understands my love of sarcasm.

• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted on Twitter or Facebook: Mr. Bratt’s selfie

Shelby George • College/Future Plans: Colorado State

University• Major: Pre-vet/ Zoology• Favorite school memory: When Emily and

I stole a donut from the teachers lounge freshman year.

• Number one on your bucket list: Raise a baby polar bear and teach him how to swim.

Kurtis Gibson • College/future plans: University of

Toledo • Major: Exercise Science• If you could have one teacher for your

parent, whom would you pick and why: Coach Shoup, because he pushes people to do their best and makes people realize how lucky they are.

• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted on Twitter or Facebook: All of Joey Nelson’s posts.

Carlie Hertel • College/Future Plans: Shawnee State

University• Major: Game and Art Simulation• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Track• Biggest fear: Leaving behind my

friends and family.• Weirdest moment with a teacher: This

year at Mill Stream during my English class, we got on the subject of dogs and how people baby talk them. So he used me as an example and said (baby talk), “Carlie’s a good girl, she does her homework.”

Collin Hiatt • College/Future Plans: University of

Northwest Ohio• Major: Ag/Diesel• Most embarrassing moment: Waving

at someone who was waving at the person behind me.

• Weirdest moment with a teacher: Had a stare off and didn’t realize it.

Zachary Hiris• College/Future Plans: Oswego State

University of New York• Major: Meteorology• Favorite school memory: Going to

state as an alternate my sophomore year with Zach Wehrle.

• Weirdest moment with a teacher: When I started talking about snow at the end of Mr. Bratt’s class, and he started laughing really hard after I answered a question. I still don’t know what was so funny.

FUN FACTS• Number of times Joey Nelson

has worn his cat shirt: the limit does not exist

• Terrible puns made by Bado: too many

• People who played with Tamagotchi's during elementary recess: 75%

• Girls that Sawyer Junge flirted with: 100%

• Number of powder puff games won: 0

• Guys that take Pokemon way too seriously: 99%

• Amount of time netbooks are used for academic work: 2%

• Amount of time netbooks are used for games or social media: 98%

• Number of times our grade won Clean Jean: Every. Single. Time.

• People who have heard Shelby George laugh: 100%

• Number of Silly Bandz owned by an individual: 67

• People who wore Aeropostale in Middle School: 89%

CLASS OF 2014 BY THE NUMBERS

• All-Ohio academic athletes: 5 • Cumulative GPA: 3.2 • Honor Graduates (3.5 GPA or

higher): 33• Students graduating with

honors diploma: 24• Students attending two- or

four- year college: 61• Students attending college out

of state: 10 • Furthest college in miles: 1,349

(Shelby George Colorado State,19 hours and 15 minutes)

• Students attending same college: 10 (BGSU)

• Athletic letters earned:160 Athletic letterman: 41

• Athletic records broken by seniors: 11

Shawn Hobbs• College/Future Plans: Owens for the fall,

then to an art school for four years• Major: Graphic Design• Number one on your bucket list: Go to

Jamaica and go cliff diving.• Food that describes your personality:

Cheese pizza, because I’m cheesy at moments, and saucy at other points.

Nick Hoehn• College/Future Plans: 4-year college• Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer

Science• Favorite school memory: Physics

discussion starring Ivan.• Spirit animal: River monster

Tyler Holtgreven • College/Future Plans: Undecided• Major: Auto/Bike Tech• Number one on your bucket list: Go to

space.• If you could have one teacher for a

parent, whom would you pick and why: Mr. Obe, he is very similar in interests and he could help push me.

Jimmy Irving• College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: High school education• Biggest fear: Never seeing Joe again• Food that describes your personality:

Chicken bacon ranch pizza because everyone loves it.

Paige Jacobs• Favorite food: Cheetos• Favorite color: Purple• Favorite activity: I like to watch football

and baseball games, and I enjoy swimming. Also I love being with my family.

• Best friend: Liz and Rae

Sawyer Junge• College/Future Plans: Wittenberg

University• Major: Business• Number one on your bucket list: Travel

to every U.S. state.• Food that describes your personality:

Pizza, because no matter the situation, I’m always good.

Ayasha Keckler• College/Future Plans: Owens • Major: Registered Nurse• Food that describes your personality:

Soft pretzels because I’m salty.• Spirit animal: Grumpy Cat

Jacob Kelley• College/Future Plans: Owens, internship

at Kiente-Hankins• Major: Electrical Engineer• Favorite school memory: Jonas Brothers

on my 17th birthday.• Biggest fear: Birds/spiders

Rae King• Favorite color: Pink• Favorite activity: Drawing• Best friend: Liz Sopher• Favorite music: Country

Tristan Locke• College/Future Plans: Undecided• Major: Undecided• Biggest Fear: Solitary Confinement• Life’s theme song: “Kashmir” by Led

Zeppelin

Laike Matthes• College/Future Plans: Owens

Community College • Major: Criminal Justice• Favorite school memory: Setting the

4x200 school record.• Spirit animal: Lion because I want its

luscious mane.

Kelly McCartney• College/Future Plans: The Ohio State

University• Major: Health Sciences• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Health

Sciences Scholar• Weirdest moment with a teacher: When

I sassed Mr. Bratt about comparing Star Wars and Harry Potter. It came out wrong and I might’ve gone overboard...

• Life’s theme song: Bootylicious

Esther Moon• College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Undecided• Number one on your bucket list: Marry

David Beckham• Food that describes your personality:

Ribs because I’m a mess.

Joey Nelson• College/Future Plans: Ohio University• Major: Chemical Engineering• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Army

ROTC program• If you could have one teacher for your

parent, whom would you pick and why: Mrs. Stahl, I mean just look at that angel.

• Weirdest moment with a teacher: Mrs. Teaman gave me a Saturday school for PDA with Brandon in the cafeteria.

Cody Neumeister• College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Education• Weirdest moment with a teacher: Mrs.

Bowersox ran around dressed as a gorilla during a FFA meeting.

• Life’s theme song: Pokemon theme song

Jessica Neumeister• College/Future Plans: The University of

Findlay• Major: Physical Therapy• Number one on your bucket list: Go

parasailing over the ocean.• Weirdest moment with a teacher:

Everyday in Palko’s class.

Ashley Overmyer• College/Future Plans: University of

Cincinnati• Major: Marketing and Finance• Weirdest moment with a teacher:

Shoup showing an exercise and flipping over his chair and breaking his desk drawer.

• Life’s theme song: “Nobody’s Perfect” by Hannah Montana

Drew Patterson• College/Future Plans: Belmont

University• Major: Biology• Favorite school memory: Cabaret

sophomore year. It was the first time I ever sang in front of anyone.

• If you could have one teacher for you parent, whom would it be and why: Mrs. Patterson, she is a strong woman with a good outlook on life.

Scott Phillips• College/Future Plans: Army• Major: Undecided • If you could have one teacher for your

parent, whom would you pick and why: Heitkamp, he’s a great guy and knows a lot about life.

• Most Embarrassing Moment: Everything I do.

Alexa Piccirillo• College/Future Plans: BGSU• Major: Undecided • College Extracurricular Pursuits: Dance• Favorite School Memory: Meeting my

best friend, Zach, my junior year!• Spirit animal: Meerkat

Top 5 Greatest Sports Moments

1. State Golf Appearance 4 consecutive years

2. Girls NCOSA Champs 2 years in a row

3. Girls’ Track Team Third at State (2013)

4. Boys’ Wrestling OWL League Champions (2014)

5. Girls’ Track District and Regional Champions (2013)

Farewell from Mr. Newcomer Dear Class of 2014,

As you prepare to end your time as a Black Knight and move onto the next phase of your life, I want to offer a few words of advice and encouragement. As an educator and former coach and teacher to many of you, I hope that you have found your time at Van Buren both rewarding and fun! I graduated from Findlay HS with a graduating class of around 490, so when I first came to VB in 2001 the small school culture was something new to me. As you look back to your time here, I hope that you value your friendships built and cherish the close knit family culture that school our size offers. You no doubt have the rest of your lives ahead of you, and I think you will find it comforting to think back to the times you have had here as students. I look forward to seeing and hearing about where the future takes you and hearing about your successes. Don't be afraid to take chances...it's OK to fail and find out the hard way and move on. Knowing the class of 2014 as I do would describe you by using perseverance and knowing that no matter the challenge put in front of you it will be overcome through hard work and dedication. I call you all friends and can't wait to see where life takes you and always remember the VB is home and you are welcome here any time! Good luck and Godspeed!

Mike Newcomer

Joel Schumaker• College/Future Plans: Attend Owens

for two years then transfer to BGSU to become a neonatal nurse

• Major: Nursing• Food that describes your personality:

Thai food because it always gives me the runs.

• Spirit animal: Spirit of the bottlenose dolphin: I can hold my breath for up to 40 seconds, thats 20 less than a minute.

Abby Shroll • College/Future Plans: University of

Cincinnati• Major: Undecided• Biggest Fear: Living an ordinary life.• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted

on Twitter or Facebook: Seth Rogen’s face on a dandelion.

Cade Sieber• College/Future Plans: Owens, then

transfer to BGSU• Major: Early childhood education• Favorite school memory: Senior class

trip to Chicago • If you could have one teacher for

your parent, whom would you pick and why: Mrs.Johnson because she’s caring and respectful and also fun to be around.

•

Ivan Quezada • College/Future Plans: Undecided• Major: Undecided• Favorite school memory: When Nick

Hoehn rode his bike to school and was late to Spanish class (he was sweaty and out of breath).

• Food that describes your personality: Taco, I think you know why

Jon Rafferty• College/Future Plans: 4 year college• Major: Engineering• Favorite school memory: When Nick

was late to school and Senora asked him why he was tardy and he replied, “I rode my bike to school.”

• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted on Twitter or Facebook: “Will you be my sea otter?”

Rachell Resnik• College/Future Plans: Ohio Wesleyan

University• Major: Accounting and Pre-law• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Cross-

country, track, and honors.• Spirit Animal: Cat. • Most Embarrassing Moment: Falling

down Laura and Adam Endicott’s stairs.

Natalie Risser• College/Future Plans: Huntington

University• Major: Biology• Biggest Fear: Ventriloquist dummies• Weirdest moment with a teacher:

When Schwem told Wilkins and I that we needed marriage counseling.

Daniel Roberts • College/Future Plans: Wittenberg • Major: Business• College Extracurricular Pursuits:

Soccer• Your life’s theme song: First Day of

School by Soulja Boy• What is your spirit animal: Elephant

1

2 0

Mr. Eakin says, “Goodbye, Seniors”Describe class of 2014: •Diverse

Advice for the graduates:• Pack more than one parachute.

Be ready and willing to have 2-3 different occupations as you move through your work career

Parting Thoughts:•All useful buildings rely on a

solid foundation for support. The foundation may be largely out of sight, and not all that exciting, but is often the difference between success and failure. You, the class of 2014, have had the chance to build a sturdy foundation on which to build your life once you leave this place. You will forever be attached to this school and to one another.

4

Ted Simmons• College/Future Plans: University of

Cincinnati• Major: Mechanical Engineering then

pursuing either law or an MBA• Weirdest moment with a teacher: When

Mrs. Sunderman discovered I shot a hole in her blinds with a crossbow I made in study hall.

• Spirit animal: I’m like a dog: loyal, runs, athletic, slobbery, happy, and goofy.

Elijah Simon• College/Future Plans: Owens, then a

4-year school• Major: Science in Technology

Management, focus on web programming• Number one on your bucket list: retire a

billionare by age 30• Food that describes your personality:

Mac and cheese because you get what you see and I don’t change my mood very often.

Elizabeth Sopher• Favorite color: Light green• Favorite Animal: Horse• Favorite activity: Art class• Best friend: Paige Jacobs

Corey Spoon • College/Future Plans: National Gaurd,

The University of Toledo• Major: Criminal Justice• College Extracurricular Pursuits: ROTC,

National Guard• Number one on your bucketlist: Skydive • Food that describes your personality:

Chipotle just because I love Chipotle.

Josh Staib • College/Future Plans: Owens Community

College• Major: Sports Management or Athletic

Training• Number one on your bucket list: Skydive• If you could have one teacher as your

parent, whom would it be and why: Mr. Shoup, because he is funny and cool.

Bree Starr • College/Future Plans: 2-year college in

Tampa, Florida• Major: Dental Hygiene• Number one on your bucket list: Go

skydiving or travel the world.• Most embarrassing moment: When I peed

my pants at the museum in Chicago for our Senior Class Trip.

Paige Sudlow • College/Future Plans: University of

Cincinnati• Major: Social Work• Number one on your bucket list: Go into

an airport and buy tickets for a random flight.

• Weirdest moment with a teacher: My junior year when I was throwing a wadded up book cover in the air, it caught the fan, and shot right at Mr. Palko and almost hit him. Then he blamed it on Drew Patterson.

Jonathan Tobias • College/Future Plans: Houghton • Major: Computer Science• Number one on your bucket list: To never

feel the need to have a bucket list.• If you could have one teacher for a parent,

whom would you pick and why: Mr. V, because I think I’m cuter than Jack.

Brittney Tuohy• College/future plans: Owens Community

College• Major: Medical Office Support• If you could have one parent as a teacher,

whom would it be any why: Schwem because she is one of the coolest teachers here.

• Most embarrassing moment: Passing out in Mr. Daniel’s class and no one noticing.

Courtney Van Horn • College/Future Plans: University of Findlay• Major: Business Management with a minor

in Accounting• College Extracurricular Pursuits: Choir/

Show Choir• Food that describes your personality:

Chinese food, because I’m Asian! Also, strawberries because they are sweet and bright. I try to be sweet and try to have a smiley bright personality.

• Spirit animal: Panda bear!

Jazmine Waller• College/Future Plans: 2-year online

college• Major: Undecided• Favorite School Memory: Freshman

year meeting my two best friends Carlie H. and Kayla C.

• Weirdest thing you’ve seen/posted on Twitter or Facebook: People (like my step-cousin Calvin) making accounts for their pets.

Alisa Warren• College/Future Plans: Ohio University• Major: Journalism• College Extracurricular Pursuits:

School newspaper• Number one on your bucket list:

Sleep on an air mattress under the stars. Preferably when it’s not raining or hailing.

• If you could have one teacher for your parent, whom would you pick and why: Schumaker. Probably because he’s easy to make fun of and his insults keep things interesting. Also, he’s a great guy and I’m going to miss him.

Matthew Wilkins• College/future plans: The Ohio State

University • Major: Computer Science• College Extracurricular Pursuits:

Computer Science (Cyber Security)• Food that describes your personality:

I’m like an onion. The more layers you peel off, the more you realize it’s all exactly the same and you start crying.

• Spirit animal: Grumpy cat

Mac Williams• College/Future Plans: University of

Findlay• Major: Political Science• Most embarrassing moment: In

basketball practice I tried to pull off the duggy and it didn’t go well.

• Food that describes your personality: Spaghetti because I’m full of flavor!

Dear Seniors,Today, I am jealous of all of you.

In a couple weeks, you will walk out the door and embark on a new journey with a freedom that one only experiences a couple times in one’s life. Cherish it. Respect it. And never forget where you came from.

My freshman year, one of my favorite teammates transferred to a new school. She never said goodbye, but she left the following poem in our locker room. It remains a constant reminder for me of how I want to live. The response it evokes in each of you may be different, but I hope in it you find encouragement and comfort for this stage of your life and in future endeavors.

You Learn“After a while you learn the subtle

difference Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning And company doesn’t mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts And presents aren’t promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats With your head up and your eyes open With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads on today Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn… That even sunshine burns if you ask too much.

So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul, Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure…

That you really are strong And you really do have worth… And you learn and learn… With every good-bye you learn.”All of you have left an indelible

imprint on the soul of our school. I thank you for that, because you have made VB a better place.

God speed, Sundy

SUNDY’S SENDOFF

To the Class of 2014:Wow! What an honor to have the opportunity to write a letter that I hope will

reach each and every one of you. I would like to think of this as an opportunity to give you one last lesson.

If there was just one piece of advice I could give you, it would be to wear sunscreen. Long-term exposure to the sun has been proved by scientists that it can be detrimental to your health, so wear sunscreen.

I am trying to figure out where the time has gone. I am sure many of you are feeling the exact same as you prepare to cross the stage on Sunday, May 25, 2014. See it was twenty years ago that I was doing the same thing. Who would have ever guessed that just six years later I would be returning to this place in an entirely different role? The one of a teacher. I am not asking you to take what I write as the “Truth”, but maybe, but simply my experiences.

First, live off your parents as long as possible. Most of you have spent your last four years of high school here at Van Buren. At times you worked hard, others, not so much, and soon you enter “The Real World” so they all say. I never liked that saying. You see, you have been living in the “Real World” for a long time. Learning is the “Real World”. However, don’t feel a need to rush into a job. Take time to enjoy your youth - that is before you have a mortgage, kids, and multiple car payments. Travel, take jobs or internships that pay less money or no money. Investigate your passions on your parent’s nickel, or dime, or quarter, or thousands of dollars. Delay the inevitable as long as possible, surely you do not want to deprive your parents of the pleasure of supporting you.

Second, I suggest you pursue joy, and not happiness. The goal in life according to many is to be “happy” and I will certainly do not disagree. You see I think happiness is predictable. Nice house, a nice car, nice material things, but those things will tarnish, and many will become fleeting memories. Happiness is

temporary. Joy however is unpredictable. You find it while searching for your passion and interests. Like many, when I left for college I thought I needed to prepare myself for the fields with the highest paying jobs, and fastest way to the top. It was in college when I began uncovering my passion for teaching, and how lucky I am that I found them right back here at Van Buren.

Next, I would suggest you continue to learn. Learning is ever changing and not an event. Some of you think this is the end of the road for your education. May I suggest you step back and realize that this is only the beginning, the foundation of what is to come? I remember thinking in 1994 that it was finally over. I had achieved my goal of a high school education. Then, four years later I had a Bachelor’s degree, yet I still returned to school for my Master’s degree. It was then that I realized I will never stop learning, nor should I want to. Soon you will see the relevance of why you need to learn. Up to now you have learned in a structured, dedicated environment, many of you will continue on that path, but don’t confuse school and learning. You can go to school and not learn a thing. You can also learn a tremendous amount without any school.

As I prepare to wrap this up, I am hopeful that you have made it this far, because I am about to give you the greatest piece of information that I can offer. Enjoy your friends and your family before they are gone. I am sure that this does not need much explanation. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Do understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold onto. Enjoy your family and friends before they are gone.

As the bell rings one last time for you, have pride in where you come from. Van Buren is an excellent school with a faculty, staff and administrators that care for you and want to see you succeed. And be sure to wear your sunscreen. Nobody wants to see you get burnt.

God Bless and best of luck to each and every one of you.

Mr. HeitkampClass of 1994

Mr. Heitkamp’s Last Lesson

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2014