Monday, July 13, 2020
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Worth the wait Iola High School class of 2020 gets delayed send-off By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
Iola High School Class of 2020 Valedictorian Kelsey Morrison beams with happiness after being recognized for her academic honors. In the background is Assistant Principal Matt Baumwart. Below at left, graduates Breanna Northcutt, from left, Sadrie Overall and Carlie Payne prepare to enter the stadium. Below at right, a mortarboard notes how Saturday’s commencement ceremony was pushed back from May because of the COVID-19 pandemic. REGISTER/TREVOR HOAG
2020 WATCH
Countdown: Election Day is closer than you think By STEVE PEOPLES The Associated Press
Presidential politics move fast. What we’re watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign: Days to general election: 113
THE NARRATIVE
These are among the darkest days of President Donald Trump’s presidency. Coronavirus infections are exploding, the economic recovery is in jeopardy and Trump may have undermined his own “law and order” message by commuting the prison sentence of his friend and political adviser. Emboldened Democrats are trying to guard against overconfidence, even as they see real opportunities to expand Joe Biden’s path to the White House in states like Georgia, Iowa and Ohio. And Biden’s slow-and-steady approach is winning praise from Democrats everywhere as Trump’s string of unforced errors and divisive rhetoric continues. There’s less time for Republicans to turn things around than they’d like. Early voting across several swing states is set to begin in See ELECTION | Page A4
After being delayed two months by the COVID-19 pandemic, on Saturday Iola High School’s graduating class of 2020 finally got its day in the sun. “I’m glad the community could find a way to celebrate the Class of 2020 despite their senior year being such a crazy mess,” said graduate Allie Utley. “I’m just excited that it’s finally happening, and we’re all able to be here,” added Trevelle Means. Graduate Gaby Lampe said, “I’m a little nervous! I wasn’t sure it was gonna happen. It’s kind of a surreal moment.” She also noted, “I’m happy to be able to stand next to my classmates and say goodbye before we go onto the next chapter in life.” Elysia Kunkler agreed, saying, “It was a long wait.
But I feel like it’s what we deserve.” Like many events taking place at this time, the ceremony was quite unique, with many clad in masks and the 82 families of graduates grouped together in pods to promote social distancing. Before and upon entering the stadium, graduates were also compelled to socially distance, which led to the peculiar scene of seniors being strategically arranged in the stadium seating while their families watched from the sports field. After the processional, the ceremony was inaugurated by superintendent Stacey Fager, who spoke to the fortitude of the Class of 2020 as a whole. “Since spring break, life has changed for our students,” he said, but urged them to “focus on the things you can control” and “let passion guide you.” “You have faced adversity, and persevered,” he added. “We will be cheering for your success.” The Rev. Daniel Davis presented Rotary Club’s award to See IHS | Page A4
HHS grads reflect on memories cut short By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Yeah sometimes this old life will leave you wishing That you had five more minutes. — Scotty McCreery HUMBOLDT — Taylor Beeman vowed to make her commencement speech short and sweet Sunday. “Kind of like our senior year.” Beeman and fellow classmate Cooper Jaro were voted as class speakers for Humboldt HIgh School’s graduating senior class Sunday. The ceremony came two months later than usual, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but still drew a large crowd to the outdoor ceremony that nearly filled the HHS football stadium with spectators. Beeman noted how the Class of 2020’s official song — “Five More Minutes,” by Scotty McCreery — became all too profound because of the COVID-19 shutdown. “All we needed was five more minutes of spring sports. Five more minutes of our last days. Five more minutes of senior trips. Five more minutes of saying goodbye to people we’ve gone to school with all our lives.” Jaro, meanwhile, offered thanks to everyone from teachers, parents and coaches to the food service staff and school board members in his comments. He praised his class-
At top left, Taylor Beeman delivers a speech at Sunday’s Humboldt High School commencement ceremony. At top right, the graduates await their turn across the stage at the HHS football stadium. Below, the Class of 2020 members toss their caps skyward in celebration after receiving their high school diplomas. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
See HUMBOLDT | Page A4
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