Inderkum High Principal Dan Motherspaw set the stage, noting that this “Class of 2017” had performed more than 15,000 hours of community service and set school records for most students earning the State Seal of Biliteracy and most getting accepted into four-year colleges.
Clearly, these seniors have impacted campus and community, setting a high bar for Tigers to come.
“I am honored to know you, and I look forward to all of the great things you have yet to achieve,” Motherspaw told the 428 graduates.
Staff Speaker Cristy Pitts urged the departing seniors to keep serving others, to enjoy the special moments in their lives, and to embrace technology — “but don’t forget to look up from your phone.”
Celebrate and treasure your achievement today, but beginning tomorrow, set even higher goals for the years ahead, she said.
“Don’t be afraid to fail,” Pitts said. “Very few people truly fail. Most just simply give up or lose focus. Believe in yourself and believe in your college and career futures.”
Senior Class Speaker Raven Enriquez emphasized a similar theme with a poem that ended with: “Today’s our new beginning … And tomorrow we’ll begin again.”
Valedictorian Madelyn Peterson emphasized to graduates that “changing the world” starts with “changing the lives of those around you” and “being a more empathetic and compassionate human being.”
“So believe in the small things,” she said. “Believe in studying that extra hour or working that extra shift. Believe in helping others and believe that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Believe in the ability of those around you and believe in yourself.”
Salutatorian Olivia Johnson had equally sage advice for college and career success: “Do not underestimate your power. Wayne Gretzky once said, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ So apply for that job. Stand up for what you believe in. Go the extra mile. Nothing ever gets done by just sitting and planning, you must take action.”
May all your dreams come true in the years ahead, Tigers … Truly you’ll be missed.
