2016 Emery High Graduates head out to meet the world

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Emery High graduates of 2016 spent their last evening at the school on May 26. Ashilee Byington the class president welcomed everyone to the event. She said this class has had some chaotic times, good times and some not so good. The moments pass quickly, but the memories will last forever. The students will soon be separated, but will forever be united as the class of 2016.
Salutatorian Shem Guymon quoted from Walt Whitman’s Captain O’Captain. They have made it to graduation, they can hear the bell’s of rejoicing. This part of the voyage is complete. “It’s time to go ashore and figure out who you are and who your next captain will be. In the poem Eldorado, by Edgar Allan Poe, everyone searched for Eldorado. What is your Eldorado? There is an Eldorado for each of us, cross the valley’s, the moon, there is a grand prize for each of us. Nora Roberts said when something comes to easy it often goes the same way. John Wayne said, being scared to death is OK as long as you still saddle up. Chris Ledoux said to enjoy the ride.”
Alexa Cook, honor student said opportunities come when you build a door. Yogi Berra said if you don’t know where you’re going you might end up somewhere else. Work towards your goals and find joy in the journey. Don’t get discouraged, set goals, opportunities are sometimes missed when doors only need to be opened to reach those goals. Make a door, put yourself in favorable positions. Take the necessary steps to reach your goals. Success isn’t given to anyone, success comes to those who go beyond what is normal and reach out and do more.
Travis Fehlberg honor student, said he was honored to be among these classmates who are state champs, doers, thinkers and creators. The future is just an idea, it isn’t set in stone. Instead of claiming to be a victim, do something about it. Life sucks, but what are you going to do about it. We did it, we are here, we can’t be bystanders, we need to create the life we would like to have. We can’t choose how we’re going to die, but we can choose how we live. Thanks to Neal for making me laugh, thanks to Shanae for helping everything to look perfect, thanks to Mr. Moss for saying hi to me in the halls every time he saw me. Thanks to Mr. Royall for seeing potential in me, I didn’t know I had.” Travis then quoted a Korean sentence that meant Stay in Peace.
Ethan Shorthill, honor student talked about how time can seem long or short, work too long, vacations too short, summers too short, winters long. Looking back now the time seems short, the future stretches out ahead. “Each day is like a jigsaw puzzle. There’s too many pieces to fit on the small board, you must choose what to add to your puzzle. You have to sacrifice some things to make other things happen. Time flies, but you’re the pilot. Time is a companion, cherish every moment because time passes quickly. If you want something, then do it. If you want to cure cancer, then do it. Do it now, use the time you’ve been given. Some people make plans, but never carry them out. Do it when the thought pops into your head. Create the things you can now. Jump at the chance, or you’ll miss it. Cherish every moment, it will never come again.
Camrey Johnson, Valedictorian gave her address on “Oh the places you’ll go.” She said everything you need to succeed in life, you learn in kindergarten. Everything stinks, until it’s finished. According to Mr. Davis, you can have a good day or not, it’s up to you. Now, this day is finally here, the realization hits, your shirts don’t iron themselves, the refrigerator doesn’t automatically fill with food. We’ve had some great experiences.
“Enjoy the moment, there’s been some stress. Don’t take life too seriously, no one gets out alive. Happiness is the goal. We’ve learned how to learn. True education is the lighting of a fire. As we move onto jobs or college, we can’t be afraid to learn more and become full members of society with the ability to change our world. With graduation, our class will go all around the world.
Most of us are here, because our parents lived in Emery County and it’s a good place but now we need to find our true home. Where you truly belong, if you’re stuck somewhere you don’t belong it’s painful. There’s more out there, we cannot allow fear to stop us from the life we should be living. Your mountain is waiting, oh the places you will go.”
The senior choir members sang, “Omnia Sol,” with David Bird, choir teacher conducting.
Principal Larry Davis presented the class to the school board for graduation. He thanked Superintendent Kirk Sitterud for his contributions to the Emery School District. Superintendent Sitterud has led the district through no child left behind, testing that comes and goes, a recession and human rights. Through it all he has been a dedicated servant and figured out things in a way that did no harm to children. “He’s been a mentor to me. Thank you Superintendent Sitterud for your service.
Principal Davis spoke about the Emery High rodeo and how the seniors presented him with a belt buckle. It was engraved with his name. All the seniors dismounted and shook his hands and thanked him. He said he’s always liked the music of John Prine and one song, Souvenirs. It reminds him of what he’s collected from this class and others, memories, The belt buckle will become one of those souvenirs. The tassels from each graduating class are other souvenirs he’s collected. He keeps all letters and thank you notes from the kids. He thinks that’s why he chose education as a career path. These souvenirs take him right back to the time and place. This class is part of the memories of that box. Students passing around boots to collect money for a family who suffered a tragedy. Kids putting their own personal touches to their gold MESS shirts. The floats in the Homecoming parade, that they hadn’t had for 20 years. Students giving blood. Students collecting two tons of food for the food bank. The Spirit Rock being repainted Black and Gold after it and the fire hydrant, the sidewalk and two sophomores had been painted blue. The best part of that day being the score of the basketball game, Emery 67-Carbon 54. School starts each Monday with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Bryce Dugmore led the students. Cleo Halliday gave the San Rafael Trivia every Friday.
The students learned about patriotism. The flag was lowered to half-staff for political leaders in the state, school shootings, the terrorist attack in Belgium in honor of the victims. The members of the military deserve the utmost respect. He’s added to his box, the swimmers who were state champs, the girls golf, second in state in a short time, the soccer teams, the foreign exchange students who integrated themselves into the society at Emery High.
Memories of Derek Anderson leading the MESS section. The support of the fans and the human gauntlet as the football team storms the field after half-time and the hope that no one gets injured. The memory of Jake and Johnny shooting three pointers in the Spartan Center and their joy at being part of the school. Homework class with it’s new name of Tall Tales. The essays from those affected by drugs. “I hate the past, but love who it made me, no matter how big a hole you dig for yourself, you can always get out.
The high school band concert in the park on Monday was held as the sun was setting, the same scene as when he received his belt buckle from the rodeo team. That day the sun was rising, this day the sun was setting. The sun is setting on the time Principal Davis spent at Emery High. So many memories, even the events of state basketball have shaped the memories. The attack on Emery High through social media. How everyone was able to stand with their heads held high. It was a teaching moment. I’m proud of our students and how they handled it.
“Congratulations to the class of 2016. I am honored that I will be leaving with this class of 2016. Each of these students has met all the requirements to receive this diploma. I praise you for reaching this milestone. Be sure to thank all those who helped you get here today. Buckle up, don’t text and drive and leave others with the beautiful souvenirs you have given me,” said Davis.
Board President Laurel Johansen said it’s very evident Mr. Davis loves the kids. Everyone stood in a standing ovation to honor Mr. Davis. “Good luck to the class of 2016,” said Pres. Johansen.
Diplomas were handed out by board members Marie Johnson and Julie Wilson.