WHS seniors usher in new chapter

The Class of 2013 took the stage in their final act as students of Wahkiakum High School last Friday to celebrate the completion of their studies and to be ushered into the next chapter of their young lives.

A community of family, friends, teachers and others filled the chairs on the gym floor, continuing up into the bleachers to witness the commencement of the thirty-four seniors.

At 7 p.m., as the lights dimmed and sounds of Pomp and Circumstance filled the room, the seniors filed in groups of twos and threes, to find their places on the stage. Micca Cothren sang the national anthem and Ben Vasion welcomed everyone to graduation, and finished by performing a song called “All Over Now,” the lyrics rewritten to be more reflective of his class.

Marissa Washington, Faculty Choice speaker, with a black and white fur lined cap, spoke of unity, “This class is like family; we have picked each other up and pushed each other until the end. Now, here we are, sitting on this stage in front of our friends and family with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts.”

Thorben Hubner, representing this year’s foreign exchange students, moved to the podium followed by cat calls and whistles from his adoptive class. He greeted the crowd in German and then in English. He spoke of his positive experience here, of learning to play American football, and speaking warmly of his second family.

Principal Stephanie Leitz presented the Faculty Awards, recognizing students for activities, athleticism, citizenship and leadership. Shanna Havens and Cody Hauff received the award for Activities, Haylee Budd and Lars Blix, who will both continue their sports careers in college, received the award for Most Athletic. Eli Ward and Ariel Snodgrass were honored with the Citizenship Award and Marissa Washington and Eli McElroy received the Leadership Award. A final award was given to a student “that received several votes in three of the categories," Eva-Mari Vik.

Tony Harmon and Joyce Wilson presented scholarships to the class; a few students earned astounding amounts in their quest to pay for college (a list of scholarship awards will be published next week).

Haylee Budd, Salutatorian, was thankful. “Without the support from all of you, we would not be where we are today. Our childhood is officially over after tonight. The decisions we make now are completely up to ourselves and thanks to everything our families and teachers have taught us, we are all prepared to make the right choices.”

Eli McElroy, Valedictorian then spoke. He paid a five-year-old debt to Bradley Peek with interest and then reminded all that life is what is happening now. “And rather than looking at what’s up ahead in anticipation of what’s to come, I hope you can all take the time to look around and enjoy the moment that you’re in. Because there is no path to happiness. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a journey.”

Class Choice speaker Brook Calvert frequently adjusted what looked to be a large remote control helicopter on his cap and reminisced about procrastination, best friends, the mystery of girls, and injuries. He spoke of the final day of classes.

“Eli and I were picking up the stations and activities out on the football field. I stepped back for a moment and really took everything in. All my times at Wa-Ki-Hi, all the memories that I will never forget. The final bell rang. The last bell. I looked to my friend and said, ‘Well, Eli, that was high school. That was high school.’”

Diplomas were handed out quickly and quietly, though one young man jumped for joy and another opened his arms in victorious elation. Eli McElroy led the class in the Alma Mater, and the silly string flew. As the students began to file out, one young lady in a pair of high heels began to slide and the crowd gasped, watching as she steadied herself and carefully made her way down the stairs, without further mishap.

The graduates and the crowd then moved outside to continue the celebration in the warm spring evening, with laughter, tears, affection and lots of pictures.