COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School graduation saw graduates say farewell but not goodbye to each other as they received their diplomas Saturday, ready to take the next step in their lives.

The class of 2022 had two valedictorians, cousins Marianna Isaak and Reece Issak.

“When Reece and I were thinking about writing our valedictorian speeches, we figured since we have done almost everything in our life together so far, why not do the last thing we will do as high school students together,” said Marianna.

Marianna then went into her portion of the speech talking about the unique challenges the class of 2022 has been through in their school experience and how it has made them stronger people and reminded them to be grateful.

“I think ACH is the best, most well-rounded 1B school in the state, but I might be a little biased,” Marianna said.

Reece spoke about how competitive his class has always been and how that has led them to so many successes.

“This intense competitiveness is not only what gets us in some trouble, and it might be why some of the teachers were ready for us to go,” said Reece. “But it's also what made us successful, and what will make us successful as we go out into the real world.”

ACH High School principal Kelly Boyd took time to recognize Associated Student Body and class officers, running start graduates and those going into the military.

Then they also recognized by name the graduates from Almira, Coulee City, and Hartline High Schools who graduated in 1972, 50 years ago.

Class speaker Dane Isaak, who was also the class salutatorian, spoke next. He is also cousins with Marianna and Reece.

“I think we can all say senior year started off pretty well. We won a state championship, life is great. Then sports from there didn't really go the way we wanted,” said Dane referring to their State 1B Football Championship and subsequent second-place finish at the 1B State Boys Basketball tournament and third-place finish in baseball. “But that's the great thing about ACH. Even if sports aren't there, our teachers and community are there supporting anyways. It doesn't matter how many championships you win or lose, the ACH community has our backs no matter what.”

After Dane’s speech, Boyd presented and announced scholarships for nearly every single graduate.

Next was presenting diplomas and a slideshow of each of the graduates as children and then their senior pictures.

ASB Vice-President Callie Pinar gave the farewell speech.

“I'm grateful for the class I have. I feel blessed to be surrounded by hardworking, competitive and kind people. I haven't been pushed harder to succeed than by these people up on the stage right now. The class of 2022 strives for excellence in everything they do. From sports, to clubs, to everyday classes.”

She went on to explain what a turbulent experience high school had been with all the uncertainty about going into high school and experiencing virtual learning due to COVID-19. She also made sure to thank everyone who had a part in her and her class’s journey.

“One thing school did not teach us, however, is how to say goodbye to our friends and family,” said Pinar. “So I won't say goodbye. I don't like goodbyes. Hence this speech is a farewell. So it is farewell for now, as this class takes off on their own adventure now, we will never say goodbye to our home.”