Duo shares valedictorian honors at LCC
LAUREL — When it comes to vision, 20/20 refers to normal. However, in today’s day and age, when one hears the phrase 20/20, the furthest thought from their mind is “normal.”
The same is true for the education world, both locally and globally.
The Laurel-Concord-Coleridge class of 2020 continues to write pages in the history books. For the first time ever, LCC will celebrate co-valedictorians.
Prior to officially consolidating and becoming LCC in 2014, the last time there were two valedictorians behind the podium was in 1990 when Amy Adkins and Kevin Macklin shared the honor.
Ty Erwin and Cutter Haberman earned the honors this year and will be giving the 2020 commencement addresses.
Erwin and Haberman have more than brains in common. The duo have been friends since Haberman transferred to the district just in time for school to start.
“Cutter and I have been friends since first grade, but we have become more like brothers as the years have rolled on,” Erwin said.
Haberman agrees, saying “Ty is basically my long lost brother.”
Both admitted their friendshipturned-brotherhood was cultivated out of the time spent with each other when Haberman got a job working for Erwin’s father, Todd.
The two, who have learned and mastered the art of balancing school and extracurricular activities, have spent their high school years doing well inside and outside of the classroom.
Both boys said time management was key to their success.
Not only did they excel academically, the duo has a long list of activities they participated in throughout their four years in high school.
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Alan Gottula, LCC Guidance Counselor said the duo has long stood out.
“Ty and Cutter are outstanding young men who serve as excellent examples for our younger students.”
In return, both of them offered words of advice to younger students.
“Stay focused and get involved in as much as possible because high school goes by so fast and you need to get the most out of it,” Erwin said,
Haberman said one way to succeed is to make sure you don’t fall behind. “Do your work. It’s easier to stay ahead than to play catch-up,” he said.
In reference to online learning, both commented they’d rather be in a classroom. Haberman said less knowledge is transferred during online learning.
Erwin agreed, saying while good for emergencies, in person learning is a lot more effective.
In light of finishing out their senior year completely online, the two had specific events that were considered highlights of their high school experience.
“Winning the State Basketball Championship is what I will remember most,” Erwin said. “Our team put in the time and effort to get there and bring home the hardware.”
Haberman said his best memories are of friendships and relationships.
“Making new friends and memories along the way will be what I’ll always remember. This season of life only lasts so long. Cherish it,” he said.
Haberman, who will be attending Wayne State College in the fall, plans to study Agribusiness and get a job in agriculture.
Erwin will also attend Wayne State College and major in Finance.
The two ambitious young men have both short term and long term goals which include returning to the area after college.
“There is nothing more special than growing up in a small town and I want my kids to have the same experience I did.” Erwin said.
Haberman believes the same way.
“The possibility of coming back to the area is high, I want to stay close.” Haberman said.
Erwin is the son of Todd and Shana Erwin. His grandparents are Rich and Ellen Erwin and Dave and Leanne Carstensen. Haberman is the son of Mike and Amanda Haberman. His grandparents are Larry and Karen Haberman and Chris and Lisa Rath.
To get news alerts on your cell phone, get the Cedar County News app in the ITunes store or in the Google Play Store.
