PBS Wisconsin Originals

The following program is a PBS Wisconsin Original Production.

Announcer

Funding for Celebrating Wisconsin's Graduates and PBS Wisconsin's At-Home Learning Initiatives

is provided by

A. Paul Jones Charitable Trust, Timothy William Trout Education Fund, a gift of Dr. Monroe and Sandra Trout, Focus Fund for Young Performers, and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.

students perform "Pomp and Circumstances" March

is provided by

Emma

Life changes with the blink of an eye. When we were little, we looked forward to growing up, dressing in black robes, and walking our final steps across the stage. We looked forward to celebrating our graduation day with our friends and families.

Aniyah

But our senior year was cut short. When we last walked out of our school doors this March, we did not know that it'd be the last time that we would see and communicate with our teachers and our friends face to face.

Emma

But even though we could not say our good-byes in person, our communities have found new ways to come together and show us their support.

"Pomp and Circumstances" by Edward Elgar

Emma

Aniyah

So now, we're going to show you some of our stories. This is a celebration of graduating seniors from all around the state, letting you know that despite the current challenges, we are proud of everything that you've all accomplished, and we're looking forward to starting the next chapter of our lives.

Commentator

Here comes Brown! When she was only a sophomore, Milwaukee Rufus King's Amari Brown won a state title in the Division 1 200-meter dash. This is all Amari Brown, from start to finish. Champion Division 1 200-meter dash!

Amari

My name is Amari Brown. I'm a graduating senior at Rufus King high school.

Commentator

Amari Brown out, strongly. It's going to be Amari Brown getting a big win for Milwaukee King. As a junior, she built upon that first state title by adding three more. Look at Amari Brown go! Brown pulls away, wins it.

Amari

I won state in the 100, 200, and the 4x1. I broke my personal best for the 100 and the 200. Being able to accomplish that at that meet, it put me on a step to where I knew I was on the way to like my future goals. But with Amari's senior track season canceled, she's had to let go of some present goals and focus on the future. My next goal was to break the record in the 200. And the fact that I didn't get to do that, that hurt it. But, you know, I feel like, with the season, everything happens for a reason. But even with this is the fact that, you know, you have to just keep going no matter what happens, and maybe something greater will happen in the future. And something greater is happening in the future, Amari has signed a Division 1 scholarship to run track at the University of Alabama, where she plans on majoring in Construction Engineering. And more than anything, Amari's grateful for all the support she's had along the way. There's been a lot. This has been a long journey. I feel like there's always people here. I've never been in a situation to where I feel like I was alone. So, I really have a message of thanks for my coach. Coach Ray, honestly, he has been here since the beginning and I feel like, you know, he's made me into the person who I am today. I really want to give a huge thanks to my mom. She always made something happen for track. She always made something happen for school. She always made sure it happened. Like, there's nothing I ever asked for that I didn't get. I'm just grateful for everything. I mean, I know everybody don't have the same opportunity or the same people in their life to make it happen. But I feel like when you do get those type of people, cherish them 'cause not everybody has those same, you know, people around. In the small town of Freedom, Wisconsin, graduating Senior Dakota Schuh has been balancing his schoolwork with an activity that gives back to his community.

Dakota

My name is Dakota Schuh and I go to Freedom High School. I am a volunteer firefighter for Freedom. I'm actually a third generation. Ever since I was young, my dad and grandpa have been going to calls. So, I always kind of wanted to join. So, I started class when I was 17. I did-- went to all the trainings, all the meetings, and everything. But I couldn't respond to calls or anything until I was 18, per state law. And then, as soon as I turned 18, I was able to get my pager and go on calls then.

Dispatch on emergency pager

1969 is out. Community, to me, means helping neighbors out, helping people that aren't neighbors out. It is important to me to volunteer as a firefighter because I feel it gives back to my community. I don't have a lot of money to donate to everything, so I donate my time. It really makes me feel good to help people, especially when they're at some of their worst times if I can show up and help them out. It's like another family I joined, pretty much. And everyone on it's just as nice as the next person.

Beatrice

My name is Beatrice Youd and I am a senior from F.J. Turner High School in Beloit, Wisconsin. Beatrice Youd's love of science has led her to search for solutions that will help the environment. So my current project is about septic systems and filters, biodegradable filters that you can put into septic systems to filter out something called phosphate, which causes some really bad environmental effects. I tested these different biodegradable filters and their ability to kind of fix phosphate and filter it. I tested this in my house, as any high schooler would. I built a septic system in my basement. And thanks to my amazing chemistry teacher and other science teachers, I was able to test this. Her commitment to science has earned Beatrice numerous awards and presented her with extraordinary opportunities. As a result of my science projects, I've gotten to meet so many amazing people. I have been lucky enough to travel all over the United States to present my research, and that has really been a highlight. And even though she's missing out on a traditional graduation ceremony, she's remaining optimistic and looking forward to attending Harvard University in the fall. It took a while for me to kind of accept that I wasn't going to get a normal graduation or kind of finish out school. But I'm very excited about college. I'll be in a completely different area and I just can't wait to meet all sorts of new people, expand my horizons. I can't wait to meet all of my professors. They are great researchers and I'm just happy to be in the same room with them.

laughs

Michael

My name is Michael Rick and I go to Janesville Parker High School. Michael Rick is passionate about the theater.

audience claps along to the music and cheers

Michael

My best memories in high school totally revolve around theater. Whether that was rehearsing or performing, it was the reason that I went to that high school in the first place. I wasn't supposed to go there, but I school-choiced there for their theater program. And it's my favorite thing. Come, get together Let the dance floor feel your leather Look at me You see this face In terms of beauty I'm a basket case No one hits like Gaston This year, Mi chael's talent and dedication earned him a role that was a unique opportunity for a high school student. The first high school in the nation

to put on Chaplin

the Musical. I have a little painting that someone did for me back there. I got to play Charlie Chaplin. I've never known a morning I haven't felt alone

Michael

Unfortunately, our show got cut off by a weekend because of COVID-19. So, we did get to perform three shows, but not the full six.

playful Chaplin comedy background music

Michael

Though this year's performance run was cut short. Michael is still looking forward to continuing his passion in the future. I'm planning on attending either Oklahoma City University or Syracuse University for a BFA in musical theater. And I'm hoping to, one day, do this professionally. I'm excited. I'm nervous, but that's what I'm looking forward to.

Sing Yee Her sings "No Lub Siab" by Maly Vue in Hmong

Michael

Sing Yee Her

My name is Sing Yee Her and I go to Eau Claire North High School. Hmong music and dance have always been a big part of Sing Yee Her's life. You can just express your feelings and stuff and let out your emotions. And, I guess, you're just like in your own world when you're dancing. A world that got even bigger for Sing when she started competing in local Hmong music competitions.

Sing Yee

Couple years ago, I went to my first singing competition.

sings "Kev Hlub Ntawm Kuv Niam" by Koob Tsheej Xyooj

Sing Yee

I was really nervous. And then, like two months later, I signed up for another singing competition, which is in Eau Claire. I ended up doing really well

laughs

Sing Yee

and I ended up winning first place. So, that was really exciting for me. Off the stage, Sing's attention is focused on sports. She's a three-sport athlete for the Eau Claire North High School Huskies.

Sing Yee Her

Some of my favorite memories from high school are... getting on varsity soccer my freshman year. That was, like, one of my goals to get on varsity for soccer. But like many athletes across the state, her senior year of soccer was canceled due to the current pandemic. I'm going to miss, like, my underclassmen because I have a lot of underclassmen friends. Some of them I play soccer with, and since, like, we didn't get our season this year, like it's real. I'm getting sad talking about it, but I just wish, like, I could play ball with them again.

sniffs, laughs lightly

Sing Yee Her

A message that I want to give to us seniors is just stay positive in life. Even though our senior year didn't end how we wanted, there's still going to be better things for us later in life. So, just stay positive. And now, with a message for the Class of 2020, here's Marquette University High School, Class of 2005 graduate, Charlie Berens.

"Pomp and Circumstances"

Sing Yee Her

Charlie Berens

Hey, there, Wisconsin classes of 2020! Boy, howdy, who saw this coming, huh? Now, if you're out there going, "Uh, I did," well, one of two things is correct.

Either one

You're lying,

or two

you got a time machine. And if it's the latter, I'd like to talk to you after this speech 'cause we've got to go back to 2011 and put a bet on the Packers, okay? You fly, I'll buy. All right? Anywho, back to the speech. Look, your senior year ended early 'cause of the gosh darn COVID, ya know? And that's tough! But that's okay 'cause we're Wisconsin. All right? We know a thing or three about toughness. I mean, how many of yous walked to school in February? Actually, forget walking to school. How many of yous walked outside in February? That's tough. How many of yous can spell Oconomowoc on your first try? Tough! How many of yous have cut the grass and shoveled the walk on the very same day? Toughness. But then, along came the gosh darn COVID! And, you know what, Wisconsin Classes of 2020? It made ya even tougher! You know, tougher than... tougher than my venison jerky.

record player slows abruptly

Deer

What now?!? 'Cause just like my venison jerky... you, too, are well marinated. For four years, you've been soaking in knowledge like it's Worcestershire sauce, absorbing the memories, blending friendships like flavors that'll last a lifetime.

record player suddenly slows

Deer

But then came

slaps knees

Deer

the gosh darn COVID and just like my jerky, you were plucked from your marinade the way a raccoon plucks a carp from the shallows of Lake Winnebago.

music resumes

Deer

And you were ruthlessly left out to dry-- dehydrate, if you will. You've missed out on proms and sports seasons, ceremonies and celebrations. But, you know what? It's made you tough. And it's that combination of flavor and toughness that's made you a healthy and delicious snack. Now, I know these words can't possibly make up for what you've lost. But just remember this, "Life is like a tackle box. "Don't mourn the lures you lost yesterday, "And don't worry about the lures you'll lose tomorrow. Enjoy the lures you have today." Class of 2020, Keep 'er Movin'!

Cortney

My name is Cortney Zimmerman and I go to Spencer High School. Graduating senior Cortney Zimmerman, from Spencer, Wisconsin, has worked with livestock for as long as she can remember. I've been working with them ever since I was really little. So, going out to the farm and being with my cattle or my pigs is kind of my go-to, whether it's a stress reliever or I just need some time away from the computer, especially now, with having everything online and virtual. It's a lot of work to, like, prepare for shows or, like, getting them ready to travel, but it's just the experiences that are really worth it. Cortney's love for agriculture led her to become active in FFA, Future Farmers of America. It is a organization that students can get involved from grades seven until shortly after high school. They just get to be hands-on in agriculture or just like teaching others about agriculture, whether it be a stranger on the street or the elementary students in our school. Cortney is currently running for the position of a Wisconsin state FFA officer, and she has learned that the skills she's gained will serve her be yond the world of agriculture. So, FFA has given me the opportunity to meet so many people from across the nation. Through this, I've been pushed to, like, talk to people and really grow myself. And it's really helped me not be such a shy person so that someday when I'm looking for a career or I'm interviewing for a job, that I'm not super scared about getting ready for it. And I know that I can just go in there and give my best and have opportunities to back me up, and experiences that will definitely help me in the future.

Devon

My name is Devon DeVerney and I go to Lakeland Union High School. Devon played Varsity football for three years and was crowned homecoming king this past fall. But it took Devon time to find his place in high school. I grew so much through my freshman to my senior year because I used to be quiet, like, the kid that sits in the back of the class and now I'm the kid that sits in front of the class. Devon is a member of the Lake Superior Chippewa Ojibwe Tribe, and he's proud of his culture. I participate in ceremonies, and I spearfish, and I harvest wild rice and I hunt. Being Native American means I might be the minority of a group or, in cases, at the school I am, but I honestly don't have that label on me because I'm such a role model in the school that people really don't see color in me and I'm more of a human than anything. But it still means that I try to teach others not to see color. I'm going to Haskell University in Lawrence, Kansas, and I'm going there because it's an all-Native American school. I'd like to come back here and teach history and Native American history and hopefully, teach my language, Ojibwe. I want to be a role model in the community. I want to be the teacher that makes a D- feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor, an A- feel like a shot in the gut because both push people to do their hardest. And I want those daydreamers to be dream chasers into dream catchers. Hopefully, I can help this community and make it even better than it was when I left it.

Aleya

My name's Aleya Stibbe and I'm a senior at the Richland Center High School.

cheering, movement sounds

Aleya

Aleya was a star member of her track team. She had just recovered from an injury she suffered in her junior year. She was looking forward to competing at state for the third year in a row. Coming into this season I was looking forward to because I worked so hard to overcome that injury. I did a lot of PT for it. And I was coming back strong. I was definitely upset when I heard that the season was going to be canceled. I wanted my last track meet, my last state meet, whatever it was. It was just, like, heartbreaking, I guess.

Aleya turned her attention to another passion

nursing. She has been working as a CNA for two years and has been facing the pandemic head-on.

Aleya

At the age of 16, I decided to get my CNA at Southwest Tech. Since I was very young, I've always wanted to become a nurse. It just feels right. Like, I enjoy doing what I do and helping people. The pandemic hasn't really affected my decision to go into the nursing field because I've always really wanted to go into the nursing field. It's kind of made me realize that I actually want to keep going in the medical field and down this path. I feel like I'm making a difference.

Ella

My name is Ella Syverson and I go to Lake Superior High School. Ella Syverson has always felt the need to act. I think I've always been an activist. Even when I was, like, a little kid, I was always the person being like, "No, that's not fair. There's a better way to do this." That desire to do better has led Ella to organize several rallies and events within her community. I've gotten really into community organizing and activism the past couple of years. So, I started a branch here of the Youth Climate Action Team. I organized a big strike for September 20th, the Global Climate Strike this year. That was really amazing. We're a small rural community, but we had 400 people turn out for that. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ella was driven to help deal with the fallout. She joined with a local organization, and helped to provide aid to people affected by the pandemic. It brings me hope, really, when I see people coming together in this way. And it's also sort of, like, what you need to keep on going. I think the reason I do this work is because I like connecting with people in this way, as well. Like, I came because I wanted to make a difference and I stayed because I built relationships with the people I'm working with and the people in my community who we're reaching out to. And that's really important to me. Ella realizes the historical hardships her class is facing now. But it's through these hardships that hope for the future still appears. We're living through history right now. And while this is a crisis, I think we're incredibly resilient and we will get through it. We'll look back on this time, and we'll remember the hardship, but we'll also remember the Zoom calls that we've had with our friends and our communities coming together to put up signs in their windows in support. And, I think, while this may be the end of high school, like, we have a lot more to come that's beyond graduation. And I'm really excited to be looking forward to what's in the future.

West

My name is West Whiting and I'm a senior at Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School. West Whiting has always felt at home in art class. I think it was, like, just something I was able to connect with. Like, I didn't connect with many other subjects. So, it just kind of felt like it was my niche, really. West had always loved drawing, but when he got a camera his freshman year, it opened up new creative possibilities. Once I got that, I really-- Like, my world, like, exploded. I got to try all sorts of new kinds of things and I got to really just expand my art world. Whether taking his camera with him on trips or exploring his surroundings in northwestern Wisconsin, West is crafting images that invite us to see the world differently. Kind of my whole thing is showing beauty in things that you normally would just walk right past, I guess. When I take pictures these days, I mostly take macro photos of really little things. Like, I can just be walking, and look at a rain drop, and kind of just see this beautiful thing that otherwise people would just normally walk by, just because they're like-- they're a reflection of our world. If you get really close, but they're all distorted and funny when you look inside of them, so... I guess, really, just my whole thing is just showing beauty in things that people normally wouldn't pay any mind to. West's attention to small things is earning him some big honors. I kind of realized that I was maybe onto something there when I got a perfect score on my AP portfolio last year. Like, it gave me a boost of confidence and I was like, "Oh, maybe I'm not crazy. Maybe this is really something interesting and something new." As he reflects on the past, West is looking forward to a future pursuing his artistic ambition as a student at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Looking back, as a kid, I always thought, like, "How am I going to get to a place where I can do the things that I wanted?" You know, like being a traveling photographer or something like that. And now, the door is right in front of me and I just have to open it.

Emma

We leave with you tonight with an example of the great things that are possible, when we come together from all around the state and join our voices.

acapella vocalizations

Emma

Aniyah

On that note, here are some students from Port Washington, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, and Milwaukee High School of the Arts reminding you all to smile.

"Smile" by Charlie Chaplin

Aniyah

Smile Though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds In the sky You'll get by If you smile Through your fear and sorrow

Ella

Since we can't really have all of the graduation rituals that we would have had before, our community has really rallied to come together and support seniors during this time. I definitely feel like we haven't been forgotten by any means. For you (you) (you) Lah-da-da The community is really banding together to honor the seniors and it's-- it's really touching. I think it should make everyone feel good. They're trying their best to do everything they can to support the seniors through this difficult time. There's not much you can do, but doing what they are doing. The time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile It'd make me feel happy that people have our back, that they still care about our graduation, and how special it is because you only graduate from high school once in your life. Oh, oh, smile This is something that we're all going to remember. But rather than looking at it negatively, we can look at this all positively. We can remember the times that we've had. Here's being able to spend time with our family, doing what we love the most at home. And I know that this will pass. I know that we can get through this. If you smile through your fear and sorrow The Class of 2020, especially, this isn't who we are. It's just an inconvenience that has happened in our lives. And no matter what, we can push through and get through it. You'll see the sun come shining through Even though our senior year didn't end it how we wanted, there's still going to be better things for us, like, later in life. So, just stay positive. Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Oooo-oooh Outside of just not being able to have that graduation ceremony, there's bigger things going on in the world. You just have to, you know, stay strong. You keep going, and realize that there's more to it than what you are experiencing at that moment. Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile This is the start of a new chapter for us and it's at one of the hardest times that nobody in our generation has ever faced. And I think we have the power to really make the best of it. Smile You just smile Oh You just smile This program was funded by...