Graduation 2005

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Emery High graduated the class of 2005 on May 26. Brandt Peacock, class president, welcomed family, friends and graduates to the ceremony. He recalled the good and fun times experienced at Emery High. He said sometimes you think of what more you could have done, but he recalled the quote he has on his wall which says to “Finish every day and then be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day. People will make mistakes, but just move on. We leave school and move on as adults. We can all become great people.”
Salutatorian Macade Jensen referred to a poem by Linda Ellis that has inspired him. He said it refers to a headstone on a grave with the date of birth and death and separating these two dates is a dash. “What’s really important is what happens between the dash. Don’t spend your time worrying about what others will think. The most important thing in life is family and children, that’s what life is all about. Life is about hard work and the freedom to make choices. Life is about who you are on the inside. Life is about meeting obligations and saying what you mean and meaning what you say. There is an old saying that wherever you go, there you are. Life is about joy, sorrow and hope. Life is about thinking, feeling, sharing heart and soul. Life is not about making and keeping money. Life is about searching and struggling to make life meaningful and fulfilled. Happy are those who dream dreams and pay the price to make them come true,” said Jensen.
Seth Bott presented the teacher of year award to Diane Carter. Bott said Mrs. Carter goes above and beyond the call of duty. She excels in the classroom and mentors students to try new things so they can know the satisfaction of success. She is a loyal supporter of all the Emery High activities. Mrs. Carter was presented with a quilt by the student council.
Mandi Weihing, honor student, told the story of crayons in a box who couldn’t get along. But, when a little girl took them home and began coloring with them they made a beautiful picture. All the crayons worked to make the picture complete. They learned that they needed each other. Weihing told of classmates who have inspired her along the way and listed positive attributes. She said Brittany is always beautiful and happy, Nicole is always fun and able to have a good time, Easton is always sweet, Janice has high standards and know one can make her change her mind, Jesse is a hard worker and smart. All of the colorful personalities of the class of 2005 fit together. Everyone is a small part of the big picture. Color yourself the best way you can. Weihing said she would miss her colorful classmates.
Joey Bernard, honor student, encouraged fellow students to be crusaders in life. He said the students have a great power to better themselves and the world around them. He said he will miss the friendships he’s made at the school and the late nights after activities of just talking and being friends. He said they have learned some great lessons in physics that he will always remember. He will remember the singing in Seminary even though they sounded like ducks being choked. He will remember the pranks and the laughs, he also wondered how JR ever got the desks down off the ceiling. He remembered the millions of hours of practice for school events and being proud to wear black and gold. Bernard said it was a miracle their basketball team took the region championship, even though they were predicted to come in last place. “Become a champion, don’t take for granted what lies ahead. Don’t be a face in the crowd, be a crusader,” said Bernard.
The seniors from the chorus sang, “Child of Tomorrow.

Misty Nielson, honor student, told the story of Glen Cunningham who was burned as a young boy, but with a lot of determination and willpower he overcame the obstacles and became a fast runner. “We have learned from parents and teachers and we are writing the stories of our lives. As time passes, 20 years from now as you look back how sad it will be to write nothing. Martin Luther King said, if you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl.’ Be finishers, cross the finish line, anyone who does will be a winner,” said Nielson.
Brandon Singleton, co-Valedictorian, said he learned two lessons from working on the production of Cyrano de Bergerac. Cyrano was filled with honor, trust, courage and integrity. He said his adornments were on his soul and his deeds were his decorations. “Some people in this fast paced world will throw their values out the window to try to get ahead. Be proud of who you are. Emery High is a place of integrity. No paycheck can take the place of values.” The other lesson was from a man who had everything and was greatly adorned as a war hero. But this man felt envious of Cyrano. In a battle he cast off his white scarf or panache. To Cyrano a panache was more than just an article of clothing, and not meant to be cast off. Wear the white scarf with pride, pursue your goals, don’t compromise, don’t mistake recognition for happiness. Cyrano was brave, confident, and proud. He fought his hardest even though failure seemed imminent. “Never cast aside your panache,” said Singleton.
Shawna Rogers, co-Valedictorian, recalled how two rival junior high schools are flung together to form one class. This class united as friends and Spartans. They have met challenges and will have a new beginning leaving high school behind. She quoted from Margaret Mead who said never to doubt that a small group of people can change the world because indeed, it is the only thing that has. Small acts of kindness done daily can influence the world a small step at a time. Rogers said that rocky roads make legs strong and we gain strength from obstacles. Knowledge is the ability to overcome challenges. Persistence is not dampened by adversities. One step is not too difficult. All we need is persistence. Every day is bursting with opportunities. The door in the wall can’t be opened by anyone but ourselves. We have become united. Rogers encouraged the class to make a difference.
Sam Singleton from the Emery County School Board accepted the seniors for graduation as recommended by Emery High Principal Gwen Callahan.
Singleton said as he looked at the graduates he had the security and peace knowing that in the next few years the efforts of these seniors will make a difference in this country. He said courage is one of the ingredients of success. The steeper the climb the greater the challenge. Tackle each adventure with enthusiasm and the world will be at your feet.