HOWARD — Jaidyn Hawkins’ mortarboard said it all: On to my new dream.
Seventy-eight graduates left the East Knox High School gymnasium ready to take on the world following commencement ceremonies on Sunday.
“Graduates, as you leave East Knox and begin the next chapter of your lives, remember this: Adversity is not the end of your story; it is often the beginning of your growth,” East Knox High School Principal Shannon Sprang told graduates.
“Class of 2026, the world does not need people who give up when things become hard. It needs people who continue forward with courage, compassion and grit. Be those people.”
Among the roll call of graduates was the late Aidan Riggle.
While he might not have physically attended the ceremony, few in attendance doubted that Aidan was there in spirit.
Gage Steinmetz, the new Bulldog head football coach, memorialized the team captain, who passed away on April 23 after a nine-month battle with cancer.
“Aidan Riggle was someone who showed what it meant to be a Bulldog,” Steinmetz told the packed house.
“He carried himself with a great attitude, showed great leadership skills, had relentless effort, brought forth positive energy, and drove others to be their very best.”
Addressing the Riggle family, the coach said, “Your son was an amazing young man. Words cannot express how much he meant to his peers, his teams, this school, and this community. He is someone that made each and every one of us better. And for that, I thank you.”
Those attending stood for a moment of silence in honor of Aidan.
Carson Hammon gave the salutatorian’s address, and Kellen Grigsby gave the valedictorian’s address.
Class President Anthony Moreland led the Pledge of Allegiance. Class Vice President Ariel Atkinson led the graduates in the traditional tassel transfer.
