Washburn grads told to ‘push outside your comfort zone’

Washburn grads told to

‘push outside your comfort zone’

    ENTHUSIASTICALLY ACCEPTING her diploma from SAD 45 Superintendent Ed Buckley is Tia Dee, one of 22 Washburn District High School students who graduated Friday, June 8, during a ceremony held in the gymnasium.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TASSEL — The Washburn Class of 2012 happily performed the ritual of moving their tassel from left to right, signifying their status as graduates at the close of the June 8 graduation ceremony. Pictured from left are: Jordan McLaughlin, Nikkie Richardson, Breanna Hyde, Tia Dee, Marcella Cheviot and Marlaina Spooner.

HONOR PARTS for the Class of 2012 at Washburn District High School went to, from left: Kelsey Churchill, valedictorian; Michaela Bragg, salutatorian; Zachary Davis, first honor essayist; and Jordan McLaughlin, second honor essayist.

SENIOR CLASS MEMBERS Ethan Pendexter, Tia Dee and Kyle McLaughlin provided the introduction to the parent recognition portion of Washburn’s graduation ceremony on June 8.

WASHBURN GRAD Zachary Davis got assistance with his cap and gown from girlfriend Kennedy Churchill, prior to the June 8 ceremony.	KELSEY CHURCHILL led her classmates into the gymnasium at Washburn District High School for their June 8 graduation.

JORDAN McLAUGHLIN served as second honor essayist for the WDHS Class of 2012.	TEACHER APPRECIATION — Michaela Bragg, a member of the WDHS Class of 2012, gives teacher April Flagg a hug during graduation festivities.

    WASHBURN — The Class of 2012 at Washburn District High School participated in their graduation ceremony on June 8, with dozens of friends and family members gathered in the gymnasium to witness the momentous occasion. This year’s list included 22 students, with over two-thirds of the class planning to continue their education at various colleges and universities.
    Class President Jacob Reed welcomed those in attendance, thanking all who had supported the class through the years. Classmates Marlaina Spooner and Lara Scott presented gifts of appreciation to faculty and staff, with Nikkie Richardson and Kristi Sperrey recognizing the teachers and their contributions to the success of this year’s seniors. “You helped us get through the last four years of our lives; we couldn’t think of better role models,” said Richardson.
    Jordan McLaughlin, second honor essayist, thanked his parents who “taught me to be a man of integrity and reminded me to get my homework done.” He thanked his family, staff, teachers and coaches for “everything you taught me,” noting, “success is what you wanted for us in high school and also in life.”
    McLaughlin shared three things to remember with his classmates.
    “Take the gifts you have today and plan to use them in the future; be successful and do what you love. Two, don’t stop at ‘OK’ — there’s always more. Push limits and boundaries. And third, if we can make it through freshman English with Mr. Landeen, we can make it through anything,” said McLaughlin.
    Zachary Davis, first honor essayist, recognized teachers and friends for their support and encouragement. He thanked his girlfriend, Kennedy Churchill, for being there for him during difficult times. “You picked me up when I needed it most. I’ll always keep you close,” said Davis.
    Davis thanked his parents for serving as his role models and for “always seeing what’s best for me.” He also thanked his Savior, Jesus Christ.
    In closing, he addressed the Class of 2012.
    “Through school we were told to be the best you can be. But not everyone can be great as the world sees it. To be successful by the world’s definition,” Davis said required some redefining of terms like integrity.
    “Live with kindness. Live for happiness. Plan a life that makes you happy,” said Davis.
    Michaela Bragg, salutatorian, spoke next.
    “Congratulations class, we did it!” exclaimed Bragg.
    Bragg said without her parents, she would “never have accomplished all I have. I love you unconditionally. I would be here without your love and support.”
    She too thanked family, friends and teachers for their continued support.
    “Thank you for pushing us through, though we didn’t know we needed it,” she said.
    Bragg chose a Taylor Swift song when looking for advice for her classmates.
    “I found the lyrics of ‘Stay Beautiful’ appropriate. Each of you has something unique and beautiful. The song says you’ll be someone, though we’ll all go different paths,” she said.
    “If we never cross paths again, stay true and be who you are — the best version of yourself — and stay true to yourself,” said Bragg. “Stick to your guns and stay true to who you are.”
    Kelsey Churchill, class valedictorian, said she wouldn’t be here without the guidance and support of family. She credited teachers “for instilling their experience and knowledge on us.”
    She told the Class of 2012 their time together had come to an end and it was time to “go out and make your mark on the world,” quoting from Dr. Seuss.
    “As you reach for your goals, you’ll be pushed outside your comfort zone,” said Churchill. “What we do and when we do it is entirely up to us. We must take responsibility for our actions.”
    Churchill said education was “necessary to integrate us into society.”
    “We’ll be pushed to our limits but will learn to adapt. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but be yourself. We’re the next generation of upward thinkers,” said Churchill, advising classmates to take Dr. Seuss’s advice and “do what you love.”
    Scholarships were handed out next, with over $40,000 awarded to members of this year’s graduating class.
    In preparation for the presentation of diplomas, Principal Ricky Bragg spoke, noting he “was doing fine until I saw you cry,” in reference to his daughter, Michaela Bragg, who will continue her education, following in her parents’ footsteps in pursuing a career in teaching. “I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished,” he said.
    Principal Bragg advised the class to “make sure you have a vision. It’s important you have a clear vision of what lies ahead,” said Bragg, a WDHS graduate, adding, “I had no idea my future would lead me back here.”
    “Live now and dream big,” he said. “I wish you all the best of luck in the next chapter of your lives.”
    Vice Principal Ron Ericson said there was a reason it’s call a “commencement ceremony.”
    “To graduate is not an end but a beginning. Congratulations to you all,” Ericson said.
    Superintendent Ed Buckley congratulated parents and thanked faculty “for putting their heart and soul into educating this year’s graduates. You’ve done a wonderful job.”