WHS seniors make graduation walk

It's not every day that a high school principal gets dunked on, and it's certainly not every graduation, but much to Wahkiakum High School Principal Stephanie Leitz surprise, it happened to her on Friday in front of a big crowd.

She can thank the Class Choice speaker Ryan Quigley for that. And Joey Moore who provided a little support by holding up the small rim and backboard behind her.

Valedictorian Kennedi LaBerge welcomed the friends and families that were there to celebrate the Class of 2016.

"We all have grown up and matured so much during our four years of high school and we're not done," LaBerge said. "We all still have so much growing up to do but this growth will occur in different places, through different experiences, with different people. We're done growing up together. I'm excited and I'm sure they are too, but I'm honestly going to miss growing up with my little family here."

Faculty Choice Speaker Rory Heywood followed. Unfortunately there was a problem with the sound system and few got to hear her words.

"Because of these teachers I earned my solid SAT score and have enough honors and AP courses under my belt to be accepted into every school I applied to and resulted in offers for some of the best academic scholarships at each school," Heywood said.

She praised each teacher and the staff and challenged them to be even better.

"The culture changed by Mrs. Leitz is a gift to us," Heywood said. "Please use that gift and make each successive class more than the one before."

Then she turned her thoughts to her classmates.

"A thanks for my class for growing, learning, laughing, crying, leading, and living life this far with me," Heywood said. "Don't ever let anybody tell you that you won't find success, for you'll go as far as you want. Don't let anyone tell you you're unintelligent, as I know all of you could educate us for hours about any of your passions in 12 point Times New Roman double-spaced format."

Leitz presented the class awards. The activity award went to Kennedi LaBerge and Bryanna Peek. The athletic award went to Joey Moore and Grace Peacock. Hannah Arn and Connor Emlen-Petterson won the Citizenship award. The Leadership award went to Tyra Elliott, Rory Heywood and Joey Moore.

"We believe in you," Leitz told the class, "so believe in yourself. You can do anything! I agree with George Bernard Shaw when he says, 'Life isn't about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.' I can't wait to see what you create."

After the traditional slide show, the Class Choice Speaker, Ryan Quigley spoke.

"It's hard to believe that after tonight it's going to be all over," he said. "The memories that I have made here at Wahkiakum school district are memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Nothing makes me happier than to see all of those kids sitting here before you.

He spoke with gratitude for his tutor, Paula Culbertson, who is also on the school board.

"I even ended up with a new Grandma," he said. "Paula helped me succeed throughout the last two years. Thank you."

Superintendent Garrett presented the class, and then began each student's walk across the stage to receive their diploma.

When the students returned to their seats, they stood and switched their tassels to the other side. They were graduates.

Salutatorian Hannah Arn gave the closing speech.

"I get to wrap up with whatever I want," Arn said, no one is following me, so I can't be contradicted. I am so fortunate to be one of the speakers. I've wanted to boast about the teachers here for a long time.

"[Teachers] are here to help us see our talents and capabilities," Arn said. "They are here to encourage us when things seem hopeless. They are here to appreciate our efforts and help us improve. They give us role models to look up to when there might not be ones at home. They let us connect personally with them, letting us see right into their hearts. Here at Wa-Ki-Hi we are not just numbers on a list that keeps growing. We are treated as real people with real interests and talents who will do great things with our futures."

Quigley and Moore led their class in the Alma Mater and the recessional began.

The sweetest words came from English teacher Audrey Petterson on Thursday at the "Honoring Excellence" program, when the Class of 2016 was given awards and scholarships.

"When I was in high school, I had an art teacher from Germany," Petterson said. "Most days she would greet us the same way, 'Hello darlings' or 'Good morning darlings.' This may surprise those of you who think of me as a stern taskmaster, I am often tempted to greet my students the same way. Due to sheer duration of our acquaintance, there is no class that ever was or ever will be 'my darlings' more than you."

Awards were given to the student who was exceptional in each department. The winners were:

--English - Connor Emlen-Petterson.

--Math - Tyra Elliott.

--Music -Keysha Smith.

--Science - Hannah Arn.

--Art -Bryanna Peek and Connor Emlen-Petterson.

--Social Studies - Tyler Gorley.

--CTE - Tyler Gorley.

--Physical Fitness - Tyra Elliott.

--Intervention/Prevention - Kirstan Manginelli.

Local clubs and groups also took the opportunity to acknowledge this year's graduating class with awards.

--Key Club - Alec Cothren, Simon Goldinov, Kennedi LaBerge, Zach McDougall, Jenna McEntire, Bryanna Peek and Esmeralda Ramirez.

--4-H - Jason Lewis.

The county Health and Human Services Department honored Rory Heywood for her work as a Community Health Advocate, and the fire department honored Jason Lewis and Zach McDougall for their volunteerism with the department.

Grace Peacock and Rory Heywood signed letters of intent to play sports in college. Peacock will join the soccer team at Lower Columbia College, and Heywood will join the track and field team at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.