Where’d All the Time Go?

Class of 2025 is incredibly special with a mixture of talented athletes, passionate artists, intelligent IB learners, and every Bulldog in between. However, their highschool experience, filled with sleepless nights and Friday Night Lights, ended at graduation on May 12th. Teary eyes, runny noses, and shining smiles were all apparent during the special ceremony. 

Graduation lasted from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., a whopping three hours of speeches from faculty, D51 school board members, and Palisade students. Principal Bollinger opened the ceremony with heartfelt words and reminiscence of everlasting memories. 

SBA President Will Neese addressed his class with grace, adding motifs of spring in his uplifting speech. Proud faculty members wiped tears from their eyes after Neese’s speech. Seniors Sarah Foster and Joey Smith were nominated by their classmates and even Mr. Bollinger, to deliver speeches. They both succeeded greatly, with loud cheers and rounds of applause from the audience. Senior Blake Larson comments, “I appreciated the student speeches, especially Sarah and Joey’s. They really captured the strength of our class but also the importance of our community.”

Reading the names of each graduate can be boring, but History teacher Mr. Kennedy sure added his own spice to it! Mr. Kennedy has attended more than 30 graduations, reading names for most of them. “When you’re announcing names, you’re scared to death to mispronounce them. I thought I did really well and didn’t mess anything up, but there was pressure there to get it right,” admits Kennedy. Although he tried to stay strong, saying goodbye to Senior Joel Richards, made Mr. Kennedy burst into tears. 

   “I have sung with Popular Acclaim at graduation for three years. But, this one felt extra special because it was the last time singing with that group. It was the end of something that changed my highschool trajectory,” says Larson. 

Commencement means the start of something. Larson expresses, “It’s exciting that there are greater things waiting for me.” Four years certainly fly by fast, but the moments and memories made at Palisade will forever be remembered. “I love Palisade for the community with the staff and students. We have a unique camaraderie that was especially demonstrated during graduation. Some staff are my biggest supporters,” Larson adds. 

“You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan played as the fresh Palisade alums threw their caps in the air, signifying the end of their high school career. On the field, everyone hugged and celebrated. It was a very sentimental and heartwarming moment, prompting the question, “Where’d all the time go?”