Vermilion graduates reminded to treat the world with kindness

VERMILION — Standing in her purple cap and gown, Vermilion High School's Class of 2022 vice president, Laura Rutger, gave her fellow Sailors life advice: Don't be a jerk. Whether they'd made the journey to commencement alone, or with a village of support, they all made it across the stage, she said. But when thinking of what wisdom she could impart to her classmates on their last night together, she looked to the rule her nana created. "Taking a moment to decide not to be a jerk can make all the difference in the world," she said. "In other words, treat people with kindness." Small acts of kindness can make a difference, she said, before quoting poet Maya Angelou: "'My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart,'" she said. "I challenge you moving forward to spread kindness and love." Class secretary Hallie Habermehl thought back to sitting at her cousin's 2015 graduation, thinking she wanted to speak at graduation someday. Several somedays later, she joked she was channeling her inner Coach Kurt Habermehl to give her fellow graduates advice moving forward with sports metaphors. Her first metaphor was to "roll with the punches," be it learning online via Zoom to staying motivated during regular classes. Her second was, "There's no 'I' in team," noting over the past four years, it's taken a village of support to get the graduates to where they are today. And lastly, she reminded everyone to "Keep your eyes on the prize." "Things seldom go as planned, but the most important thing to remember is to always keep your purpose in mind," she said. "Whether your purpose is to go to college, the work force, or serving in the Armed Forces, never allow distractions to prevent you from achieving your ultimate goal — whatever it may be." Class treasurer Noah Jamison took a moment to touch on national news at the school's 131st commencement ceremony — referencing the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday. Quoting Bowling Green State University President Rodney Rogers, he said, "Even in our darkest of hours, or in times when we are faced with such adversity from the actions that are an attempt to divide us or spark fear, we must come together to support one another. … Let's continue to aspire to be a community we wish for all of society." Looking at what the Sailor family shared for the past 13 years, he said they are no longer the little children whose parents watched leave home for the first time, but energetic young adults ready to walk across the stage and receive their high school diplomas. "No matter where we go, or what we do, there are challenges ahead of us," he said. "What I'm asking from you, and from myself, is to meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open. … It's not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn't move the world forward — you must try to excel in everything you do." Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.