Bastian delivers address at Green River Graduation

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Green River High School held their graduation on May 26 for the class of 2016. Nathan Cox welcomed everyone to the event. Karson Nelson, Salutatorian said, every member of my class is unique. There are many advantages of being part of a small school There are many extra-curricular activities to participate in. One good thing is if you try out for a sports team your are going to make the team. Another good thing is all of the ed net classes available. You can earn college credits without paying a lot of money. We have had several debates amongst our class and we all agree our class is the best class since last year.
Cassidy Bastian, Valedictorian was the next to address the audience. She said, some of us have known each other since kindergarten or sooner. Some of the things we have learned we will never forget. Our class is procrastination at its finest. We have mastered the art of texting under the desk. Friendships and teamwork are things that can’t be taught. High school isn’t the end. Cassidy shared the quote, “Never let it be said dreams are a waste of one’s time, for dreams are our realities in waiting, in dreams we plant the seeds of our future.” Our class quote is one from Abraham Lincoln, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Kerry Goldman is one the class advisors for the class of 2016. He said, I am a little more connected to this class because my youngest son, my baby is graduating. This is the first class I ever taught. It’s not only my son I am giving up it’s this entire class. I spoke to Jonathan Salinas, who is not here tonight. He is in South Carolina in the Army National Guard. He called to say thanks. You have heard about the small class size of our school. We have a chance to forgive each other for any wrong we may have done. We have a bond because we get to see each other year after year. We get to see who students are and what they go through. It is a blessing to have been with them for the last six years.
As I was remembering my graduation in 1971, I remember the angst of graduation. I can still see us lining up and I remember the applause of the audience. What I don’t remember is one word or speech that was given that night. I promise I won’t be long winded because you won’t remember what I said. Even if you don’t remember what I said, you will always have many fond memories. Tonight is a special night. You were my first class. You walked through the door me not knowing you and you not knowing me. I let you all start anew. I did this because you were all honor students to me until you proved me wrong. You are here because you did what needed to be done to graduate.
I remember our first day when we were working on a list of rules. We had several things listed on the board. I said don’t you think we can list all of these rules under one thing, respect. We all agreed respect is what is important. We had a mutual understanding of respect.
Now we are at a time when I have to deliver something motivational. I was working on this all week and I came back to your class motto, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” You seniors are looking into your future. Some of you will go to college, some will go on a mission, some will go into the military and some will get married. You are in the driver’s seat. You control what the future will be. You will create the path of achievement. President Lincoln said, “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”
I remember all of the teachers who inspired me. As you reflect back on your teachers you will remember a teacher that was instrumental in your future. I can say with all sincerity you are still all my A students. I would put you up against any students and say you are still the best.
Harlie Hatfield closed the program. Principal Kayce Fluckey and school board member Royd Hatt presented each of the graduates with their diploma. After the graduation all of the students were congratulated by friends, family and community members.