On the evening of Friday, June 7, Washburn District High School graduated 10 seniors.
The graduating class began the evening with a special touch honoring each Washburn District High School staff member with kind sentiments and a carnation.
Valedictorian Chelsea Hobbs left the audience with this provoking though” “What kind of an impact are you having on someone’s life?” She told how her Bepa preached on healing and how we thank God for the healing before it’s taken place.
When she was 4 and cross-eyed, her parents prayed for healing but she gave thanks for her healing, she said.
“I didn’t know this until just recently, but 4-year-old me was having an impact on my parents’ faith without realizing it. The impact you have on others, good or bad, can change their lives forever, whether you meant to or not,” she said.
She also honored five teachers for their lasting impacts.
Hilary Driscoll, salutatorian, said it’s scary to think about the future.
“But one thing we will always have are the memories that we built together, and man, there are a lot of them,” she said. “The biggest thing I learned from high school is to not wish the time away, because before you know it, you’re going to be on this stage saying your goodbyes to the people that have been with you through it all.”
First Honor Essayist Nishelle Kelley said high school helped develop her as a person.
“To me, high school wasn’t just about education, but about figuring out who I am, the person I want to be and the dreams I wish to reach,” she said. “My high school experience has influenced my development as a person inside and outside of the class by making me more independent, choosing friends wisely and teachers motivating me to accomplish goals I have set for myself.”
Second Honor Essayist Roegen Rosi-Carney started with a quote from Will Rogers: “Remember, even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
As sweet as the victories senior year has brought, there were bittersweet moments, too, like when athletes bid farewell to their teams after working hard all season.
“We started to plan our futures in earnest. For some of us that meant applying to colleges, and for others, it meant enlisting in the U.S. military. Either way, we shouted out a few ‘hakuna matatas’ as we commuted throughout these hallways just a few more times.”
The graduates gave special tribute to their parents and families. Hobbs shared sentiments of thanks and gratitude to the parents for attending their events and supporting them.
“As we venture into the next chapter of our lives, you have built a firm foundation for each one of us to stand on.”
Graduates presented their parents with a rose.
Director of Guidance Diana Trams awarded scholarships. The class earned a total of $160,000 in scholarship money.
Assistant Principal Cummings and Superintendent Larry Worcester presented diplomas.
