Staff Writer
WASHBURN – Graduates of Washburn District High School take with them many valuable lessons, beginning with the value of religious faith, what makes a successful friendship, heeding the wisdom of their elders to respecting others and to dare to be independent and not always follow others.
Family and friends gathered at the school the evening of June 6 to witness the transformation of the Class of 2008 from students to graduates, with presentations from four young ladies highlighting many of the lessons the class have learned together or individually since beginning school some 13 years ago.
Second Honor Essayist Kelsey King emphasized the importance of friendship in her speech, quoting Muhammad Ali on the subject.
“Muhammad Ali once said, ‘Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school.’ I believe friendship is the most important aspect of a person’s life. Establishing a friendship with another person builds character … teaches us something about ourselves,” said King.
For King, a true friend means, “Actually knowing someone, and being there for him/her when he/she needs support the most, like showing up at a recital for a friend and doing the wave when she performed.”
King thanked her classmates for being there for her over the years.
“We have stuck together and we have been there for each other. We’ve always been a support system for each other,” said King. “I’m going to miss you all very much.”
First Honor Essayist Kelsee McLaughlin found value in learning independence.
“We live in a world where many people live their lives motivated by the opinions of others or what is considered politically correct. I’ve tried to never let that guide and influence the decisions I have made over the years and hopefully it never will,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin credited the “great educators in Washburn” for much of what she’s accomplished.
“Thank you for your influence and encouragement,” said McLaughlin, noting how Mrs. Cole, Mr. Landeen and Mr. Ericson have impacted the school by helping make it what it is.
“My church family has been extremely significant in my life through their remarkable support and encouragement. Thank you to all of you for being godly role models for me,” continued McLaughlin.
Parental figures were also on McLaughlin’s thank-you list – both earthly and heavenly.
“I want to thank my family, who’s shown me what family truly is. Family means being there through the good and bad times, saying what needs to be said, helping when needed and forever loving one another,” said McLaughlin. “My parents taught me that there is more to this life than personal accomplishments. My greatest motivation comes from my Heavenly Father.”
In concluding, McLaughlin left classmates with her own perspective on living.
“Living a life that is acceptable to others and politically correct may seem to be a noble cause; for me, I have found that living a life that is pleasing to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is of greatest importance,” said McLaughlin.
Alex Bird, salutatorian for the Class of 2008, took a lighthearted look at the many things her class learned or should have learned over the years.
“Pi equals approximately 3.14159265359879323,” Bird began, continuing with other facts gleaned from high school classes. “Crazy that we learned all this stuff in high school. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll actually ever need to use this stuff again.”
Bird gave examples of what she thought might have been better lessons to teach, such as the importance of not drinking bleach, or that milk consumed in large quantities was not as good for you as one might think.
“If drinking milk is healthy for you, who would have thought that trying to drink a gallon in an hour wasn’t such a great idea?” said Bird.
Bird gave several more examples of lessons that, if taught, might have prevented some students’ embarrassment or injury.
“Electricity is a good thing to have an understanding of because … well, as Stephen has found out, it’s really not smart to stand on a 4-wheeler and poke a telephone pole wire with a metal pole,” said Bird. “ … and don’t try to take your 2-wheel drive pickup through a huge mud pit and expect to get all the way through. Physics states that it won’t happen!”
Bird stressed the importance of physical education and the proper use of equipment.
“It’s a good idea to make sure that you’re ready before you set the treadmill on the highest level or you might just find yourself flat on your face,” explained Bird.
Bird expressed gratitude to several individuals for all they’d done for her over the years, including teachers, her church family, friends and parents. Like McLaughlin, Bird thanked Jesus Christ.
Kristen Goupille, class valedictorian, said while her class learned much over the years, there was still much to learn.
“We’ve all learned so much, but there is still much more to learn,” said Goupille, adding she learned some key lessons from several people. “I’ve learned from some very important people in my life – my parents, friends, teachers and even a few strangers.”
The first lesson, according to Goupille, is that as her class enters the “real world” they’ll discover “people appear to be stupid.”
“You think they are stupid and they probably think the same thing about you. Be patient, and work with them,” said Goupille.
Parental respect was second on her list.
“Appreciate the man who taught you to hunt, fish and burp the ABCs. And love the woman who told you to pack some band-aids, bring the bug spray and say ‘excuse me’ – especially when you displayed your new-found belching abilities in church,” Goupille said.
And lastly, Goupille said to remember the value of hard work.
“Always work your hardest. As graduates of WDHS and members of this community, we have been taught to give 150 percent in everything we do. Take this work ethic with you. People will notice your hard work, perseverance and determination, but don’t forget to have some fun in life,” said Goupille.
Goupille expressed gratitude to family, friends and Jesus Christ for learning such valuable lessons.
“Thank you to all the people who have taught me these valuable lessons. I hope to make you proud in the future . . . Without Christ, I would have no strength. I would also like to thank my parents . . . thanks most of all for teaching me to live out what I say I believe,” she said.
Goupille concluded by wishing her classmates good luck.
“Watch out world, here we come,” said Goupille.
“These past years with you have been great – mostly fun and always challenging,” Goupille said.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
JARED REED was joined by his parents, Patty and Jim Reed, during the parent recognition portion of Washburn District High School’s graduation festivities.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
DIPLOMAS IN HAND, members of the Class of 2008 of Washburn District High School moved their tassels, symbolizing their transition from student to graduate, at the close of festivities June 6. A total of 24 students graduated, including: Alex Bird, Brian Campbell, Pamela Churchill, Samantha Cochran, Travis Conley, Ethan Doody, Jessica Drost, Tyler Farley, Sarah Goodine, Kristen Goupille, Wendy Ketch, Kelsey King, Erica McDougall, Kelsee McLaughlin, Stephen Nason, Kelly O’Donnell, Jared Reed, Jensen Reed, David Roy, Justin Saucier, Amber Stevens, Josh Wain, Shawn Wilcox and Kaitlyn Williams.
