Jerrid Sebesta shares words of wisdom about life with B-OHS Class of 2016
Former KARE 11 television meteorologist Jerrid Sebesta spent some time two months ago with the Butterfield-Odin Public High School (B-OHS) senior class, presenting them with financial advice and wisdom.
Friday evening, May 20, Sebesta returned to address the graduating B-OHS Class of 2016, this time bringing with him life advice. These words of wisdom centered around “Livin’ the Dream.”
“What’s the definition of ‘livin’ the dream?” he asked the senior class members seated in the front row. In answer, Sebesta definitively pointed out that “livin’ the dream is the constant pursuit of your calling or purpose.”
He broke that commentary down into three points:
“The first is that – life is about the pursuit – it’s not a place.” Sebesta recalled his own trajectory as a meteorologist, rising from KDLT in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to a television station in Phoenix, Arizona to a prime job back in his home state at KARE. “I was on television, I met celebrities, played basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. I had it made in the Twin Cities market. But, I still had the need to keep searching for my purpose. That doesn’t stop – no matter the level.”
Sebesta’s second point stressed that, “You need to know yourself. What do you want? It is surprising how many people cannot answer that question. Do you know your calling or purpose? Why are you here? Every single one of you is here for a reason – and you have to find the answer.”
The final point he laid out to the seniors was that they understand, “Pursuit is a forward-looking word. Everything up until this point is irrelevant. If up until now your life has not been that good – the past doesn’t matter.” Sebesta shared the struggles he had throughout his life up through high school age. “I could have let what happened dictate my life – but I didn’t. I chose to look ahead. You can do that too.”
The B-OHS Senior Band, under the baton of Director of Bands Molly Fridstrom, welcomed the Class of 2016 into the auditorium with the traditional processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” They returned later in the ceremony, this time along with the senior musicians, to share the selection, “Don’t Stop Believing,” arranged by Fridstrom.
Greeting the seniors, their guests and audience to the Commencement Ceremony was Acting Superintendent Sandi Novak.
Salutatorian Michelle Perez provided the Welcome. Awarding the Valedictorian Award to Roger Fast and the Salutatorian Award to Michelle Perez, was Butterfield-Odin Public School (B-OPS) Principal Lisa Shellum.
B-OPS School Counselor Tammi Samuelson presented to the audience those from the class who had received Senior Scholarships.
Julia Hiebert had the honor of introducing the guest speaker, Jerrid Sebesta.
Director of Choirs Sarah Cartwright led the Senior High Choir – including five seniors – in the number, “See You Again,” arranged by Roger Emerson.
The Class Response, reflecting on the years from Kindergarten-to-Grade 12, was completed by Hayley Johnson and Paul Hanson; translated into Spanish by Dayana Rodriguez.
Leading the Remembrance of Ross Isaac Blomgren, a member of the Class of 2016 who was fatally injured in a car accident when he was a junior, were Mackenzie Blickem, Derek Meyer and Austin Heffele.
Following the Rose Ceremony (presentation of roses to the special people in each of the graduate’s lives), Michelle Perez and Hayley Johnson shared the Class Video.
After the Presentation of Diplomas to the 19 graduates – including the turning of tassels and toss of mortarboards – Valedictorian Roger Fast gave the Farewell.
Junior escorts were Brianna Ringen and Tyler Miller.
Below, revisit the Commencement Ceremony through a photo gallery:
