Home2022June2Merrill High School graduates Class of 2022 Merrill High School graduates Class of 2022 Leave a Comment / June 2, 2022 / Community, Events, News, School Senior Jackson DeJong gave the Senior Address to fellow classmates, making multiple references to cole slaw, clearly an inside joke among this year’s Class of 2022, possibly dating back to their Freshman year. Tina L. Scott photo. Merrill High School (MHS) Social Studies teacher Adam Yirkovsky was the keynote presenter at this year’s graduation. He shared his joy at teaching in Merrill where he had grown up and his pride in being involved as an advisor with the Raise Your Voice Club at MHS. He issued a challenge: “to all of you to take your own mental health seriously in your life.” He said he wished someone had told him earlier in his life that, “It’s OK not to be OK.” Instead, he said, the advice for success he had heard was, “Fake it ’til you make it.” And that, Yirkovsky said, was bad advice. Instead, he said, consider this: “If you take your mental health seriously, you’ll make it one step at a time.” He also told the graduates: “You need to unapologetically follow your passions.” And “You have to bet on yourself in whatever you choose to do.” Most importantly, he said, “I don’t want anyone else to feel alone. We love you kids.” “It’s been my honor to be a part of your journey. Thank you for being a part of mine,” Yirkovsky said. Yirkovsky is leaving MHS to go to Black River Falls High School to pursue his dream of being a Head Football Coach there for 2022-2023. Tina L. Scott photo. A peek at some of the graduates of the Merrill High School Class of 2022 during Friday’s graduation ceremony. Tina L. Scott photo. A graduate accepts a carnation after receiving his diploma. Tina L. Scott photo. A graduate accepts her diploma from Merrill High School Principal Shannon Murray at the May 27 graduation ceremony in the Merrill High School Fieldhouse. Tina L. Scott photo.