2010 Graduates Live out Father Flanagan’s Dream

Smiles were shining bright and tears were shed as more than 90 boys and girls graduated from Boys Town High School May 23. 

“Our 2010 Graduation was a memorable experience,” said Dr. Bob Gehringer, Boys Town Nebraska/Iowa High School Principal. “The seniors received their diplomas to great rounds of well deserved applause from the standing room only audience.”

The commencement began with Father Boes sharing before and after stories from the Senior Class. Later, the keynote speaker, Former United States Senator David Karnes, described to the seniors how remarkable their success stories are. 

Before coming to Boys Town, many of the youth were at-risk to not experience success or possibly graduate high school. However, on Sunday, they stood proud in front of their parents, teachers and Boys Town families with diplomas in hand and their smiles lighting up the room.

“[The seniors] are Father Flanagan’s assurance that his dream will carry on,” said Isaac, who was chosen by his classmates to speak. “[We are the assurance] that the beacon of hope he lit will continue to burn brightly.”

The graduating seniors have worked hard the past years to achieve success and unleash their talents. Many of them plan to further develop their talents and pursue their dreams by going on to enroll in college, enlist in the military, join Job Corps or enter the workforce in a skilled position.

In addition to the 92 graduates from Boys Town High School in Nebraska, many other locations will see youth graduate this year, including Charlie and Rey from Boys Town Nevada; Darrell and Christian from Boys Town of Chicago; Allen, Danielle and Sydney from Boys Town Louisiana; and Anthony from Boys Town New England.  

For these youth, Boys Town is just the beginning of a life-long road to success, but no matter how long the road may be or heavy the load, they will always have Boys Town on their side.

Successful teaching calls for more than a knowledge of textbooks; it calls for an understanding of life, for an appreciation of human values

- Father Flanagan