On Saturday, May 13, 19 students graduated from Colman-Egan High School. The ceremony took place in the high school gym.

Graduating seniors Samantha Lebert and Burgin Groos welcomed those in attendance and presented the keynote speaker: Cheryl Angle, junior high computer and business education teacher who is retiring this year after 20 years with the Colman-Egan school district.

Angle presented her speech directly to the students graduating. She focused on three “soft” skills employers are looking for in employees.

First, an effective communicator. “Talk to each other!” Angle said. “Put the phones down.” To prove her point of what a distraction cell phones can be, Angle walked over to the podium half a dozen times during her speech to fake check her phone.

Second, a positive attitude. No one wants to work with a person who is grumpy or who complains all the time. “Don’t be that person,” Angle said.

Third, a strong work ethic. She told the seniors to always do their best, be reliable, punctual and helpful.

She wrapped up her presentation by having the graduating students stand, hold up their right hand and pledge to leave after the ceremony happy and with a positive outlook for the future.

The seniors showed parent appreciation by handing out flowers and hugging those in the audience who helped them get to this point.

Principal Scott Hemmer presented the class of 2017 and Tracey Olson, superintendent, and Mary Beth Zwart, board of education president, presented the diplomas to each student.