The Green River High School graduating class of 14 students proudly marched down the aisles of the auditorium to be seated on the stage for the formal graduation ceremonies on May 25. These 14 students, dressed in green and white, included four honor students; they are Megan Hatt, Justin Johnson, Caitlyn Vetere, and McKenzie Ward. The remainder of the class included: Zackary Anderton, Katy Bastian, Matthew Crowson, Jose Dominguez, Travis Goldman, Aixa Herrera, Erick Mendez, Jordan Olsen, Sigifredo Quintana, and Mckay Thayn.
Following a welcome by Principal Nolan Johnson, Hatt told the audience and honored guests, “On behalf of the class of 2012, thank you for all you have done to help us get to this night.”
She went on to tell the theme for the evening. “We have chosen a quote by R. Kelley that states, ‘We came here as strangers, we stay as friends, we leave with memories that will never end.’ Our education has brought us together as friends. This class has had it ups and downs, but we have become true friends. We will leave with many memories and we will look back on these years with gladness. Memories last forever, they are stuck in our minds. Stay in touch class of 2012. This is our time to shine, good luck, and look how far we’ve come.”
Justin Johnson began with a quote by Dr. Seuss, “‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go….’ Everyone on this stage must remember that you are the guy who will decide where you will go. We have the knowledge of those things we need to succeed. Attitude is a crucial component. We are all capable of doing great things,” said Justin. He went on to tell a story of a wise old sage and a young man who wanted to prove him wrong. The young man held a bird in his hand and asked the sage is the bird was dead or alive. If the sage said alive, he would crush the bird. It the sage said dead, he would open his hand to show it was alive. The wise old sage, when presented with the question of is the bird alive or dead, replied to the young man, “It is as you wish.” Justin told the graduating class that “It is truly how we wish. This is only the beginning.”
Lea Church, senior class advisor, said, “I am very pleased and impressed that these seniors have made it to this day. I will miss each of you. You should be proud of yourselves. I know I am proud of you. I appreciate all you have taught me. This class is made up of individuals who have formed the strongest team I have ever seen. Keep your minds open to one new thing each day that will help you to improve upon who you are. Make wise choices, and remember, attitude, after all is everything. Good luck to each of you.”
Dale Roundy, class advisor, began by saying, “This is an amazing class. When they came to me to ask if I would speak tonight, they appealed to my ego. They said I was the best advisor they had ever had. They also reminded me that they were the best class I had ever advised. This was a fair statement as this is the first class I have ever adivsed, and they are the first class to ever have an advisor. They began to plan this night as juniors, so the staff here will have to understand the senioritis. This class works together like no other. They cared, they wanted to work together and help each other out. I am reminded of a quote by Steve Blank who said this world is run by those who show up, not by those who wait to be asked. These students showed up. Just follow your dreams but don’t make them your permanent dreams because dreams can change. But don’t quit and never stop trying. Congratulations and good luck.”
A slide show with photos of each student throughout their lives was shown. Principal Johnson congratulated the class and introduced the seniors as school board member Royd Hatt presented them with their diplomas.
To close the ceremonies, class secretary Thayn said, “I am very grateful and honored that you came here tonight to honor us. Thanks for your support. We are like family. Have a great summer.”
The class of 2012 then greeted everyone in the foyer of the school.
Graduates 2012
"Erick Martin Mendez, Justin Morgan Johnson, and Aixa Lizet Mendez Herrera turn their tassles following the graduation ceremony at Green River High School. "