South Bend, Raymond, Valley celebrate graduation

RHS Class of 2014

South Bend graduated 38 seniors, with 18 students above a 3.0 grade point average and 13 receiving the Grays Harbor College World Class Scholars scholarships of $1,500 to put towards tuition at GHC.

“I’m most proud of this class in the kindness it possesses between themselves and others,” South Bend Superintendent of Schools Mike Morris said during his speak at the ceremony. He also encouraged the graduates to make good decisions: “It’s pretty hard to fly with the eagles if you’re running with the turkeys,” he said, explaining that they must choose carefully who they surround themselves with.

Steve Rogers honored Morris, as it was his final speech as South Bend Superintendent before retirement.

In a charismatic and humorous speech by co-valedictorian Raven Stoney, she thanked the community, staff and parents for their support through the years. “You’re unique in the universe,” she said to her classmates. “There is only one your and there will only ever be one.”

Raymond graduated 45 seniors, eight of which finished with a grade point average of 3.2-3.69. World Class Scholars scholarships were awarded to 14 students. Superintendent Steve Holland explained that approximately $750,000 was awarded in scholarships at the ceremony. “What’s also exiting is that people across the community, state, and nation are willing to invest in these students,” he said.

Class speaker Hannah Dykes gave a heartfelt and compelling speech: “No matter where we go and what we do, we will always carry the memories of each other in our hearts.”

Salutatorian Ally Phansisay encouraged his fellow graduates to continue to strive for excellence after high school. “This isn’t the end, just the beginning of the new chapter in our lives,” he said.

Willapa Valley graduated 29 students, with 14 students receiving the GHC World Class Scholars awards. Before the ceremony, the graduates expressed their emotions. Over $62,000 from the community alone was given out in scholarships to Valley graduates, an exceptional demonstration of community love and support for our kids.

Class speaker Mackenzie Trotter articulated a common frustration among graduating seniors: “If I had a dollar for every time people asked me which college I was going to go to or which career I was going to choose, I would be as rich as Drew Pearson,” she said jokingly, in a shout out to her friend and fellow classmate.

In a speech riddled with golf metaphors, valedictorian and golfer Emily Fluke spoke about the importance of focus and determination. “Always keep your eye on the ball,” she said in reference to what her golf coach, her grandfather, used to tell her. “Don’t look to the future until you’ve accomplished what’s in front of you now.”