The ninth grade closing program was held at Canyon View Junior High in Huntington on May 18. Dallyn Ward, ninth grade class president welcomed everyone to the program. He pointed out the empty chair they had set up with the class that symbolized the absence of a classmate, Victor Miera who died in September.
Ward introduced Principal Larry Davis who thanked family and friends for the support of the ninth grade students. “It takes a lot of people to educate children. This ninth grade class represents diversity and talent. In their three years here at Canyon View they have won many championships and awards,” said Davis.
Davis along with teacher Andy Pollaehne presented the departmental awards to the following students: Jake Clement-band; Chandler Fillmore-technology; Kristiann Grange-PE; Lethi Guymon-science, band and geometry; Ariel Halton-family and consumer science; Dusty Jensen-accelerated reading; Nevin Jensen-geometry; Samantha Johnson-Top Cat and yearbook; Tasha Larsen-chorus; Misty Merrell-computer and perfect attendance; Rodrigo Rodriguez-social studies and art; Shala Thompson-most improved ninth grade student; Maranda Tucker-art; and Dallyn Ward-outstanding auto Cad.
“We believe in a well rounded education here at Canyon View. That is why we go on a lot of field trips, athletic events and hold assemblies. We believe these students will leave Canyon View and be prepared for high school. We believe athletics are a huge part of an education. Student athletes are held to a higher standard, they must maintain their grades; stay off probation and meet the rigors of competition. There is a higher standard involved in representing their school.”
Four athletic awards were given and Gabrielle Guymon received the Cougar award and Michelle Oliver received the female athlete of the year award. For the boys, Tanner Procarione received the Cougar award and Dusty Jensen the male athlete of the year award.
The academic awards for a 4.0 grade point average were given to Ashley Alger, Meran Allred, Jake Clement, Kristiann Grange, Lethi Guymon, Nevin Jensen and Krystal Richardson.
The honor students all gave addresses to those attending. Ashley Alger said she has many memories of her three years at Canyon View. Leaving junior high is filled with both happiness and sadness. “My three years at Canyon View have helped me better prepare myself for the future. I was nervous at first attending junior high, but the teachers were a big help,” said Alger. “Never give up and keep trying to reach your goals.” She thanked the faculty for all the work they put into the school, parties, activities, fund raisers and athletics. She thanked her parents for their support. Alger remembered her volleyball and basketball season. “I’ll never forget all the great times and memories,” she said.
| Principal Larry Davis talks about the ninth grade class. |
Meran Allred spoke of the many friends she has made in junior high and how they have been through good times and bad times together. She quoted Abe Lincoln in saying the best way to deal with an enemy is to make him a friend. “You can be yourself with a friend. If a friend is trying to persuade you to do something wrong then they are not a friend,” said Allred. She encouraged her classmates to stay off drugs and alcohol and not to make stupid decisions that could affect the rest of their lives. “You can be successful and still have fun. Have a good attitude and stay on the good side of the teachers. Your friends know your faults and love you anyway. I wish you good luck class of 2010,” said Allred.
Jake Clement thanked the staff for his three years at Canyon View which have been wonderful, great and meaningful. He thanked his parents for being his motivating factor. He encouraged his classmates to be individuals and not to worry about what people think. “Be who you are, you have a unique personality. No one in the world can take your place. You have no obligation to be popular, but be true to yourself. Live by your values,” said Clement.
Kristiann Grange thanked her teachers and mentors who have given her knowledge for lifelong success. She thanked Morty, (Eric Mortensen) for being a great teacher and a great friend. She said great teachers inspire students. She thanked her coaches who have helped push her to strive for the best. She thanked everyone who helps out at the school and her parents for being a big part in her education. She said parents encourage their young children the first two years of their lives to walk and talk and then spend the next 14 years telling them to sit down and shut up. Grange encouraged parents to be nice to their kids, because their kids will choose the parents nursing home.
Lethi Guymon told the story of a college student taking a test who was supposed to identify everything about a bird by its leg. He told the teacher this was the stupidest test ever. The teacher asked his name and the student pulled up his pant leg and told the teacher you guess and left the room. “We are so fortunate to have teachers that know us all by name.” Guymon told a quote where someone said if people did not do silly things nothing great would ever happen.
Nevin Jensen encouraged his classmates to be careful of negative people saying negative things to them. He said everyone needs someone to encourage them. “Everyone has an opinion and just don’t listen to the garbage.” Jensen told the story of Elvis Presley who was born in Tupelo, Miss. and was told by one of the first people who listened to him sing, that he’d never make it. Fortunately Elvis didn’t listen to this negative comment and went on to become a great singer. “Be the best you can and strive for your goals,” said Jensen. He also gave a bit of advice from Dr. Seuss, You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you will decide where to go.
Krystal Richardson said she was glad to leave junior high because she gets bored easily and she is anxious to move on to high school. “It’s been a blast,” said Richardson. She thanked Olive and Roma for always knowing where her lost items were. She has memories of Mr. Luce riding his motorcycle to school in December and icicles were frozen to his face. Mrs. Liv is gone. She thanked Mr. Collard, Mr. Bird, Mr. Pollaehne and Donn for cooking up a storm. Richardson thinks Ferd secretly wants to be a dancer because he is always telling dumb blonde dancer jokes. She said she will miss Morty giving her a new nickname every time she walks down the hall. She encouraged her classmates to always set their goals high.
After the program, students visited with family and friends and took many photos to treasure forever. The yearbook class also made a slide show of each of the ninth grade students which was shown at the program.