NHS graduates will remember their roots

After the 20 members of the Class of 2021 at Naselle High School took their places on the stage, and Valedictorian Kolby Glenn welcomed the small audience in attendance, as well as everyone watching at home, Class Speaker Emma Colombo made her way to the podium.

"We did it," she said happily. She spoke about the impact of the pandemic, the influence of parents, teachers, coaches, and staff, of the times the class had shared together, and changes coming to their lives. She added that one thing would never change.

"Naselle is our home, the community is our home, you guys are our home," Colombo said. "No matter where we end up, we know our roots. There is no place like Naselle."

This year's class will receive nearly $170,000 in scholarships and were offered $325,000 in awards and scholarships, according to Principal Justin Laine, who announced academic awards and introduced each student, naming each scholarship they had won, as well as the amounts.

Each student then moved to the front as their name was announced to collect their diploma and pause for a picture, as the small crowd cheered.

Superintendent Lisa Nelson made a few quick comments and invited Salutatorian Ella Hale to step forward and lead her class in turning the tassel.

Nelson certified the class, and caps flew.