• Article Photo. Jessica Smith, left, and Brooklyn Michalec, wait together in auditorium for graduation to begin.
    Jessica Smith, left, and Brooklyn Michalec, wait together in auditorium for graduation to begin.
  • Article Photo. Junior Nikki Thompson escorts graduate Patrick Dunfee across the stage to get his diploma.
    Junior Nikki Thompson escorts graduate Patrick Dunfee across the stage to get his diploma.
  • Article Photo. Retiring teacher associates include Therese Husnik, Rosalee Sturtz and Judy Wood.
    Retiring teacher associates include Therese Husnik, Rosalee Sturtz and Judy Wood.
  • Article Photo. Supt. Hainstock congratulates Colleen Dwars, who retires this year.
    Supt. Hainstock congratulates Colleen Dwars, who retires this year.
  • Article Photo. Marsha Furlong hugs graduate Jessica Smith as she presents her a rose during VSHS commencement.
    Marsha Furlong hugs graduate Jessica Smith as she presents her a rose during VSHS commencement.
  • Article Photo. Ryan Davis congratulates Sherry Trafford, who is retiring this year.
    Ryan Davis congratulates Sherry Trafford, who is retiring this year.
  • Article Photo. Tony Zimmerman listens during graduation.
    Tony Zimmerman listens during graduation.
  • Article Photo. Graduate Rebekah Shafer waits for commencement to begin in VSHS auditorium.
    Graduate Rebekah Shafer waits for commencement to begin in VSHS auditorium.
  • Article Photo. Peyton Frank poses with friends Mia and Malyc Larson before graduation.
    Peyton Frank poses with friends Mia and Malyc Larson before graduation.
  • Article Photo. Jeremiah Janssen receives his diploma from VS School Board Pres. Pat Lyons.
    Jeremiah Janssen receives his diploma from VS School Board Pres. Pat Lyons.
  • Article Photo. FFA members Bronson Werning, Grant Wittmer and Tony Zimmerman pose with Mr. Fisher.
    FFA members Bronson Werning, Grant Wittmer and Tony Zimmerman pose with Mr. Fisher.
  • Article Photo. Chelsea Andorf was the first member of the Class of 2010 to receive her diploma.
    Chelsea Andorf was the first member of the Class of 2010 to receive her diploma.
  • Article Photo. Brooklyn Michalec crosses the stage to receive her diploma and flower.
    Brooklyn Michalec crosses the stage to receive her diploma and flower.
  • Article Photo. Shelby Cox tries on her her aunt Stepanie Candler's cap & gown; she will wear her own in 2018.
    Shelby Cox tries on her her aunt Stepanie Candler's cap & gown; she will wear her own in 2018.
  • Article Photo. Principal Kirk Johnson thanked the seniors for being a great class just before graduation began.
    Principal Kirk Johnson thanked the seniors for being a great class just before graduation began.
  • Article Photo. The Senior Choir members traditionally sing during graduation.
    The Senior Choir members traditionally sing during graduation.
  • Article Photo. Math teacher Lisa O'Brien reads 'Oh the Places You'll Go' by Dr. Seuss during VSHS graduation.
    Math teacher Lisa O'Brien reads 'Oh the Places You'll Go' by Dr. Seuss during VSHS graduation.
  • Article Photo. Kristin Bramow delivers Senior Address during graduation; she spoke of changes awaiting seniors.
    Kristin Bramow delivers Senior Address during graduation; she spoke of changes awaiting seniors.
  • Article Photo. Scores of cameras were aimed at the Class of 2010 as they graduated in VSHS gym Sunday, May 30
    Scores of cameras were aimed at the Class of 2010 as they graduated in VSHS gym Sunday, May 30

The Vinton-Shellsburg Class of 2010 heard an impromptu speech from their principal while preparing for commencement, and then listened to words of advice from Dr. Seuss before receiving their diplomas.  

"You are going to go places," said Kirk Johnson. "You are all the best. Thanks for being such a great class."  

Johnson spoke for a minute or two in the auditorium as the seniors lined up for their march into the gymnasium at the beginning of the graduation ceremony.  

The class motto is "Be who you are and say how you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind," attributed to Dr. Seuss.  

The Class of 2010 and the rest of the audience at the Sunday afternoon commencement heard more from Dr. Seuss.  

Math teacher Lisa O'Brien was chosen by the seniors to deliver the faculty address. She told the audience the best advice for graduates can be found in Dr. Seuss's book, "Oh the Places You'll Go." Then she read the book.  

The book begins very much the same way the principal's speech began.  

"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away," wrote Ted Geissel in 1990 in what would be his last book. After finishing the book, O'Brien told the seniors to come back and tell her how well they are doing.  

"I'm already proud of you," she said.  

Kristin Bramow delivered the senior address, discussing the changes the seniors had experienced and were about to experience.  

The VSHS Senior Choir performed "Like and Eagle" and "Letting Go."  

Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock, participating in her first graduation ceremony at Vinton-Shellsburg, honored the 17 district employees who are retiring at the end of the year. Those 17 employees have more than 500 years of combined experience in education and 498 years of experience in the V-S district.

One of those retirees is Judy Wood, who was an associate teacher at the elementary level for 31 years.  

"I know all these graduates," said Wood as she watched the Class of 2010 arrive.