One more time

FORT RECOVERY — They will become collegians, farmers, Coast Guard recruits and a variety of other descriptors.

On Sunday, they entered Fort Site Fieldhouse as Fort Recovery High School students just one more time.

Principal Ryan Steinbrunner encouraged the Class of 2025 to be thankful for the moments like final moments together as a group Sunday for the celebration of their graduation.

“This may be the last time you’re all together like this,” he said before thanking the graduates for allowing all those in attendance to share the moment with them. “So let the spirit of ‘just one more time’ guide you in gratitude, in effort and in love.”

Steinbrunner asked the students to be grateful for each “one more time” they experience.

Salutatorian Anna Roessner followed a similar theme in her speech following remarks from valedictorian Kennedy Muhlenkamp.

“Today, I advise you all to think back on your memories,” she said. “Take a moment to reflect on your first memory of high school, or your favorite memory.”

She asked them to think about the prospect of playing hide and seek alone.

Empty house.

She asked them to imagine returning from a fifth grade field trip with no classmates. 

Empty bus.

She asked them to consider finishing an athletic event with no teammates or supporters. 

Empty stadium.

All of those things, she pointed out, are made special by those with whom they are shared.

“Left alone, we can feel lost in the darkness,” said Roessner. “But if you really think about it, we aren’t going to miss recess, sports games or dances. We are going to miss the people that brought meaning to these memories.”

She told her classmates that life is not meant to be lived alone. She encouraged them, though it can be difficult to set aside pride, to ask for help when it is needed.

In addition to speeches, Sunday’s ceremony included the presentation of various special awards and scholarships to the 77 members of Fort Recovery High School’s Class of 2025. Among them were:

Honors diplomas — Emma Will, Mara Wenning, Eowyn Vela, Zach Schoenlein, Ella Schoen, Benjamin Reinhard, Karlie Niekamp, Keegan Muhlenkamp, Bailie Muhlenkamp, Joelle Kaup, Ava Grisez, Marlee Fiely, Ava Englehardt, Kassidy Dues, Kennedy Muhlenkamp and Anna Roessner

Athletic keys — Gavin Evers and Joelle Kaup

Activity keys — Ava Englehardt and Zach Schoenlein

Steinbrunner encouraged students to hold on a little tighter to moments in life and to value the ones that may seem mundane or repetitive, like walking through the halls of their high school.

“What you’ve come to realize this week, maybe without even knowing it, is that ‘just one more time’ isn’t about repetition,” he said. “It’s about appreciation. It’s about savoring the moments that matter. It’s about holding on a little tighter to the people, the experiences and the memories that have shaped you.”