“History will speak kindly of us because we intend to write it.” -Winston Churchill. This was the class quote for the 2011 Senior Class of Green River High School. Principal Nolan Johnson and School Board Member Royd Hatt presented the 23 graduates with their diplomas at commencement exercises Friday night.
Class Salutatorian Caleb White encouraged his classmates to emulate a turtle, after all if a turtle wants to go anywhere he has to stick his neck out. He told them they would not experience life to the fullest if they didn’t stick their necks out. Cady Mecham class Valedictorian took them on a trip down memory lane, reminding them of experiences from elementary school to victories in high school. She said, “For the past 12 years we’ve been this big dysfunctional family and tonight that ends, we’ve been through it all. We are ready to take on the world, but the actual question might be – world, are you ready for us?”
Speaker Misti Sweeten said that from her vantage point now, she would go back and tell her 19 year old self that the most important thing in life would be, to be present. Be open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because ultimately your life is made up of moments. So don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future. Don’t be absent from your own life. She told them that right now they have it all – the power of their imagination, the velocity of their dreams, the language of innocence, and the passion of a beginner. Get ready for your next adventure, you are just beginning, and what makes beginnings so thrilling is the unknown. The world is waiting for you… and – wow – I hope it is ready for you.
Class president Nicole Arnold told them to take too many pictures, laugh way too loud, and love like you’ve never been hurt. Because every 60 seconds that you spend upset, is a minute of happiness that you’ll never get back. Her message to everyone was: live life to the fullest. Take chances. Follow your heart, and your dreams. Love those around you, and treat them as you would like to be treated, and never regret anything that once made you smile.
Congratulations Class of 2011 – hit the road running and don’t ever give up.
Caleb White is the son of Tony and Amy White; Cady Mecham is the daughter of Trevor and Allyson Mecham; Nicole Arnold is the daughter of Randy and Kathy Arnold.
Grad night 2011: Green River and Emery unleash grads
"School board vice chairman Royd Hatt presents a diploma of graduation to Conner Newland of Green River High. Conner has been an active member of the school. He has been a manager and supporter for several sports teams."