CG-Belgium holds memorable graduation

Cedar Grove-Belgium High School’s graduation ceremony on Sunday came with more emotion than usual.

Seven teachers covering 195 years just within the district are retiring, including keynote speaker Dave Claerbaut.

Princpial Josh Ketterhagen became emotional seconds into his address, and Claerbaut minutes into his.

He played odds and evens with cancer survivor Mason Deppiesse, who beat the disease in first grade and walked across the stage on Sunday.

Claerbaut, who taught history and was the public address announcer for football and basketball games, started and ended his speech in his signature announcing voice, in between giving graduates 10 pieces of advice.

“Being kind costs you nothing. Treat others with the respect you want yourself. And if you do that, it will come back to you over and over again,” he said.

“One of the most important things to me in my teaching career ... I hope that in the end the thing that I taught you the most was kindness.”

Boys’ basketball coach Jake Hock called timeout during the speech, saying, “ This is way too long.”

Claerbaut’s final piece of advice was “Never forget to tell people that you love that you love them. It’s time to take my own advice. I truly love you guys. I love this school.”

Retiring math teacher Scott Tipple was chosen to read graduates’ names. He led the class of 2026 in his quadratic equation song one last time before doing his duty.

Claerbaut taught for 31 years. The other six retiring are, Kris Sass, 32 years; Mary Anne Rodgers, 36; Mary Anderson, 29; Landa Paradise, 24; Brad Navis, 30; and Tipple, 30.

Valedictorian Mackenzie Katte said life has three paths starting with “s” to take success, superstar and significance.

She also encouraged her classmates to be kind.

“Kindness takes effort, but it’s also completely free. I can think of many moments when I regret being unkind, but not a single moment when I regret being kind. Not one,” she said.

The need for the class gift was described by Class President Weston Huenink asking a few students how long it takes to heat up their lunches.

“We’re tired of seeing this line that like stretches all the way to the track,” he said.

The class donated two new industrial-grade microwaves and counter space made by local carpenter David Garside.

Salutatorian Levi Ruona encouraged graduates to “Take the time some day, maybe today, to figure out who you are.”

Fellow Salutatorian Grace Geisler said, “I have come to realize that a goal we accomplish or an award you receive will never equate to the fulfillment we achieve from love.”

In addition to the 51 graduates, 23 graduated from Rocket Academy, the district’s charter school that focuses on skilled trades for juniors and seniors. Seven graduated from Lakeshore College with a 3.5 grade-point average, and three earned degrees as heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, Rocket Academy Director David Friend announced.

Supt. Elizabeth Freeman compared NASA’s Artemis mission to the moon to the graduates.

“You also have a specialized crew around you, supporting you no matter how far away you travel,” she said.