Don’t simply follow the person in front of you - forge your own path in life. This was just one of many nuggets of sage advice given to the graduating class of 2022 at Callaway Public Schools on Sunday, May 15 as 18 students received their diplomas and turned to a new chapter in their lives.

The class was all smiles as they walked into the gym to the sounds of the high school band playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” and took their places on the stage. After Superintendent Bryon Hanson spoke to the class about the directions their paths will take following this day, the class salutatorian, Irelyn Rosfeld, got quite a few laughs with her speech about memories and times that have shaped the class, including a few inside jokes and embarrassing moments.

The class valedictorian, Sophia Doyle, spoke on the things she learned during her years at CPS and thanked the professionals that shaped her educational experience. She credited her successes found while in school to not following what others thought she should do, but what she felt she needed to do.

Isabelle Stallbaumer shared a thank you to the families, peers, friends, and community members in attendance right before an emotional flower presentation. As the graduates distributed hugs and tears with their white roses with light blue tips, the song “Got It In You” by The Banners played softly in the background.

Diplomas were awarded by Liana Hrupek, president of the Callaway Board of Education as the graduates walked across the stage one last time, stopping to pose with their signed diplomas - a few made sure that signature was there before they sat down.

Following the recessional, the graduates final act as a class was to throw their caps in the air in celebration of a high school career completed and a new adventure awaiting.

The Class of 2022 and their future plans are as follows:

Lila Christine Bloomer*- Plans to attend Chadron State College to study medicine.

Talon Christopher Crago - Plans to attend NCTA to study farm and ranch management.

Heidi Sue Donegan*^- Plans to serve in the US Army on a 5-year contract.

Megan Marie Donegan - Plans to attend Southeast Community College in Beatrice to play basketball and major in agriculture.

Sophia Madisyn Gabrielle Doyle*^- Plans to attend University of Nebraska-Omaha majoring in biology with a minor in psychology.

Sharon Glenn Ellison - Plans to take a gap year then move to Maine for college and work.

Taylor Anne Feddersen - Plans to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design majoring in art education.

Emalee Alison Glendy - Plans to attend Central Community College in Kearney for either early childhood education or criminal justice.

Stetson Wayne Hamilton - Plans to continue his education and join the workforce.

Jacob John Heusman - Plans to continue to work in the electrical field.

Beth Ann Kranz - Plans to continue her education and enter the workforce.

Bryant Cordell Leeper*- Plans to attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

Kinsey Rose Pflaster^- Plans to attend University of Nebraska-Kearney majoring in elementary education with a special education endorsement.

Irelyn Emery Rosfeld*^- Plans to attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study pre-med.

Isabelle Cecelia Stallbaumer*^- Plans to attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in social sciences education.

Owen Theodore Stallbaumer^- Plans to attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

Kylie Ann Thomsen - Plans to join the Job Corps in South Dakota and earn her CNA certificate.

Mya Sophie Weverka*^- Plans to attend Hastings College.

*-Honors Diploma

^-National Honor Society member