MEDORA

One of the largest classes in recent memory at one of the state’s smallest schools put the finishing touches on its high school education Friday night.

The 27 graduates of the Class of 2016 at Medora High School now face the same challenges anyone else does once they receive their high school diplomas — what’s next.

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At least three Medora graduates have some ideas about that subject.

Jeremy Farmer, 19, said he plans to continue his education at Valparaiso University and major in history.

“Maybe teach history,” he said shortly before lining up with classmates for the processional before the school’s 116th commencement exercise.

Jessica Green, 19, said she has something different in mind.

“I plan to attend Vincennes (University) and then go to IU to become a marine biologist,” she said.

Zacary Thompson, who said he had some ups and downs on the path to graduation, also has something in place for his immediate future.

“I’m going to Vincennes to study to be a physical education teacher,” he said.

School board President Joe Campbell delivered a short and simple message to the newest graduates of what has now become the state’s second-smallest public school corporation.

“We hope that the success they have had in their 13 years of school here will continue when they go out into the real world,” he said. “I want them to note that they are following a great group of people that have graduated from this school.”

That group includes doctors, lawyers, people who have retired from industries, people who started thriving businesses and many others who have been successful, Campbell said.

“So it’s pretty good for such a small school,” he said.

Green said she was extremely happy to be receiving her diploma.

“… because I honestly didn’t think I would get here,” she said. “I had a lot of troubles. I made it.”

Green said she loved choir when Medora still offered it.

Choir and band are among several programs that have been cut in recent years because of funding shortfalls created in part by declining enrollment. On Friday night, the Brownstown Central High School band provided the music for Medora’s graduation.

Green, who attended Medora for 13 years, including kindergarten, said she doesn’t like all of the recent cuts.

“I think they’re horrible because a lot of kids need this kind of education — a small-school education,” she said.

Farmer said he couldn’t choose a favorite teacher from all of those he had at Medora High School over the years.

“All of the staff here are just wonderful,” he said.

He did have some advice for young children just starting school.

“You have to have a conviction for this,” Farmer said. “You have to have a game plan. You have to be willing to put that into effect in order to graduate.”

Thompson said his favorite teacher was Melissa Keiser, who taught family and consumer science.

“She was real kind and sweet, and anything you needed, she was there for you,” he said. “She was an inspiration to be kind to others and help others.”

Salutatorian Chloe Martin had some words of encouragement for her classmates about the future.

“No matter where we go or what we do, there will always be challenges in front of us,” Martin said.

She challenged her fellow classmates to do the best they could no matter what they face in the years to come.

Valedictorian Jadelyn Dean said she spent 14 years together with many of her classmates, and she couldn’t think of better people to spend her time with than those.

She also encouraged her classmates to meet tomorrow’s challenges head-on.

“We can’t let one setback change our goals,” Dean said. “It is never too late, or too early in our case, to be who we want to be.”