Dexter class graduates 131

DEXTER — Valedictorian Eric Hahn told the Dexter graduating Class of 2019 to express their true selves during a ceremony held Friday at the Bearcat Event Center.

“We are all guilty of putting on a mask to show the world. We have all sacrificed some of our potential to stay within our comfort zone. We all hide our opinions to fit in. But, where has this gotten us?” he asked during the ceremony.

People are almost always judged for not conforming, Hahn said, telling graduates to not let that get to them.

“I am asking you to simply find something that you like doing. There are countless opportunities for everybody,” he said. “While society oftentimes places labels on those that do not follow the traditional life path, you can trust me when I say that you have an unthinkable amount of options.

“Pursue those that spark your interests, rather than ones you feel required to explore.”

Both Hahn and salutatorian Coby Powers thanked family and others for helping them reach this point.

The common denominator in all four years of high school was great faculty, Powers added.

“I respect you immensely because you chose a job, and you chose to help us. Growing up the son of two teachers, I have seen firsthand the many hours that you guys put in to help your students,” he said. “It’s because of the people like you who spend your time helping the new generation that people like me are able to achieve our full potential.”

The students are not the same people who entered Dexter High School 1,362 days ago, he continued.

“Class of 2019, we are on the brink of total independence, something that is unheard of for many of us,” Powers said. “With this independence, some are going to college, some technical schools, others military but whatever path it is, it is your world, so take it and make this new chapter worth reading.

“Pursue your passions and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Hahn is the son of Brad and Melissa Hahn. His grade point average is 4.302. He plans to attend Washington University in the fall.

Powers is the son of Chuck and Felicia Powers. His GPA is 4.274. He plans to attend the University of Missouri in the fall.

There are 131 graduates in the Class of 2019, said counselor Laura Stone.

Of those, 30 graduates have plans to attend two-year colleges or technical schools. Another 64 plan to attend a four-year university, and two graduates who have committed to joining the military, she said. Hunter Lawrence is joining the Army and Joe Rice is joining the Air Force National Guard.

The total scholarships earned by the class top $1.4 million.