Forty-two of Jasper’s young men and women celebrated their high school graduation last week. Each student donned a cap and gown, received a scroll marking their achievement and made their friends, family and community proud.

And now they are on their way to new and exciting adventures. 

“The opportunities that await each and every one of you abounds. What a ride young adulthood is and you’re just starting to climb the hill on this roller coaster adventure ride,” principal Mark Crozier told the Jasper Junior/Senior High School grads on June 1. 

“You are not a child or a student anymore, you are now a bright young adult with a solid high school education behind you and the world is out there for the taking.

“I congratulate you for this achievement and this weekend I encourage you to celebrate because as the theme song you chose states, you’re on your way.”

The students’ song was On My Way by Phil Collins. The choice was a bit of surprise to both adults and youth alike.

In his congratulatory speech to the graduates, Jaymes Schmidt, the senior high president, joked, “When I heard the grads picked a Phil Collins song, my first thought was, ‘Who’s Phil Collins?’” 

He then assured the grads that after a quick Google search he understood their selection.

Mayor Richard Ireland, on the other hand, didn’t need any research, but he did have a lot of complimentary things to say about the students’ choice.

“What a nice, clever touch,” he said. “Your parents, already so proud of you, must surely be delighted beyond belief with that choice. No foul language, no crude, suggestive innuendo, no inappropriate messaging, instead bright, clear, optimistic lyrics.”

For Ireland, the last verse of the song was what resonated most. The verse reads, “Tell everybody I’m on my way and I just can’t wait to be home.”

“Nothing gives your parents, your school and community greater pride,” said Ireland, “than your acknowledgment through your chosen song that even though you’re on your way, your hearts remain at home.”