Manatee High graduates of 2016 are like family
When Manatee High School’s Class of 2016 gets together, it’s like a family reunion, speaker Dominique Mickler told the crowd causing many aww’s to come from her fellow graduates.
“Most of us have been together for at least four years,” she said. “Some of since elementary school. Also let us not forget, that when we embarked on our journey here, so did Principal (Don) Sauer.
She congratulated Sauer for seeing the class he started with graduate.
Mickler, as well as Ian MacDonald and Chloe’ Hollands, were elected to give the commencement speech during Saturday’s night graduation ceremony in a jam-packed Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium.
“Most of us will be leaving the safety of our training wheels for the first time, our homes, taking on new opportunities as we enter this next season of life,” Hollands said. “From the steps of an orphanage, I now step in front of you in a wonderful country that provides us with everything we need. We will take the steps across the stage together as graduates of the Class of 2016.”
It was up to them to make the most of their lives, she said.
She concluded by quoting Dr. Suess.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose,” Hollands read. “You’re on your own and you know what you know. And you will be the one to decide where to go.”
MacDonald went to quote his favorite philosopher, Kanye West.
“Whether you broke or rich, you gotta get this. Having money ain’t everything, not having it is,” MacDonald read.
He went on to elaborate.
“Oftentimes we young adults get caught up in a materialistic world,” he said. “Hopefully as we grow older we will strive for riches in new areas. Rich in knowledge. Rich with an education. Rich in love from our family and friends. Rich in happiness as enjoy what we do everyday.”
Manatee High School Class of 2016
Graduates: 452
Graduating class: 104
Speakers: Chloe’ Hollands, Ian MacDonald, Dominique Mickler
Shining moment: For the first time, the giant Manatee High video screen at Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium was used to display messages from family, friends and loved ones before the ceremony.
Interesting: All three commencement speakers were elected by the class.
Best quote: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose,” Hollands said quoting Dr. Suess. “You’re on your own and you know what you know. And you will be the one to decide where to go.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2016 at 10:18 PM with the headline "Manatee High graduates of 2016 are like family."