| Leah Swalberg, class Valedictorian gives her Valedictory address at graduation. |
Sixteen seniors graduated from Green River High School on May 22. The auditorium was packed to capacity to cheer on and congratulate the students. Pat Brady, a teacher at the school welcomed everyone, including Royd Hatt and Marie Guymon representing the Emery County School Board, and JJ Grant and Jed Jensen from the District.
“I love my job,” Brady said. “I just love working with students. It has been a privilege to be the advisor to this group of seniors. This has been a fun group. I have really enjoyed it. It is tough to see you go, although I know you are eager to get on with your lives. That’s how it should be, but first I want to give you some advice.”
Brady told the graduates to never give up and remember those who are following them and watching their progress. He gave the students the lyrics of the song Never Give Up and a poem entitled The Bridge Builder. “Keep your head up and don’t let anyone discourage you,” Brady concluded.
Class Valedictorian Leah Swalberg made a few remarks. She told how this class has been together for 12 years and reminisced with memories from each grade and each student. She also told of games they had played in elementary school. “I have many fond memories that will last a lifetime. Are these my classmates? Yes, but my friends and my mentors too,” Swalberg said.
“Hopefully we each know where we want to go from here. It’s our choice which path we take. The sky’s the limit. This is our night, our time to shine. Those in attendance here tonight have given so much to us. This is the end of one era and the beginning of another. We have worn the colors with pride. Let’s go Pirates, let’s go,” Swalberg concluded.
| Richard Dean, class Salutatorian speaks to the audience at Green River graduation. |
Salutatorian of the 2008 class Richard Scott Dean said, “During the time I have spent at Green River High School, I have developed friendships to last a lifetime. Look at the graduates. Each one has invested 13 years to get here tonight and each one is deserving of respect. We are on the threshold of the big step to the future. I want to thank all those who helped us get to this point,” Dean stated.
Dean went on to say that until now, the graduates are a result of that help. He then gave one piece of advice. “In this competitive age which needs more educational skills, the more education we gain, the better off we will be.”
Following Dean’s remarks, a slide show was presented featuring photos of each graduate. Green River Principal Nolan Johnson said, “The graduates represent 13 years of challenges and tears. Well done parents.” Johnson introduced the graduates while Hatt congratulated them and handed them their diplomas.
To close the ceremony, Troy Sweeten said, “I want to thank everyone. It has taken us a long time, with a lot of help from family and friends to get here. Thanks for coming.”