Bishoff chosen to speak at commencement

Seniors who were interested in speaking at graduation were narrowed down to three.

Seniors Julie Lemon, Karmen Bishoff, and Noah Jankowski were all up for the challenge.

The students were to write a practice speech and recite it in the auditorium, Wednesday, May 18, in front of about two dozen teachers.

The teachers were to grade each speech on a numerical rubric.

Jankowski spoke first, Lemon spoke next, and Bishoff finished.

The three speeches all had a unique approach and were well written.

After the numbers were added up, Bishoff won by six points.

Senior Tyler Frasher, a friend of Bishoff’s, was excited when he found out his best friend will be speaking at graduation.

“When Karmen told me that she was a finalist, I was very excited and happy,” Frasher said. “Then I went to watch her audition and was just as anxious as she was to find out she got it.”

Frasher explained that he is not the only one that is excited for Bishoff.

“She told the rest of our friend group and we were all so happy and proud of her accomplishment,” Frasher said. “Later that day, we went out to dinner to celebrate.”

Bishoff mentioned that she has always wanted to speak at her own graduation since her first year of high school.

“This is something I have been wanting since freshman year,” Bishoff said. “It is a huge honor. I’m looking forward to representing the Class of 2016.”

Graduation will be held at The Whiting on Saturday, June 4.

The Whiting is able to seat 2,043 people.

When asked how she feels about speaking in front of thousands of people, Bishoff gave an honest answer.

“It goes without saying that I am extremely nervous,” Bishoff said. “But it is the best feeling in the world at the same time.”