By Mary Owen
June is the month where many students complete one milestone, ready to advance to the next. With high school graduations happening this month, the seniors are gearing up for the next big step in their lives.
“This is a very exciting time in a young person’s life,” said Graham Hughes, principal of Stayton High School. “The doors are open for them to walk through and start their journey. I wish them well in their new adventures.”
Hughes credited this year’s Stayton senior class with hard work in the classroom and on the athletic fields.
Ceremonies for the Stayton High School Class of 2014 will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6 at the Salem Amory.
“This year’s senior class has been a great group of students,” he said of the 162 graduating students. “They have helped build a tradition here at Stayton.”
Hughes called valedictorian Brandon Kerr “a well-rounded student” who is “always willing to lead, volunteer his time, and use his skills to better improve his high school.”
A Statesman Journal Academic All Star, Kerr volunteers as a math tutor to his peers, participated in the SHS blood drives, and co-founded the Continued the Dream Scholarship Foundation. He also referees for YMCA youth soccer games serves as the SHS liaison with the OSSA student leader, and works with St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shaw to help his community.
“He attained three varsity letters in soccer, and during his junior and senior years, achieved first team, all-conference honors,” Hughes said. “Success in these interscholastic activities requires extensive dedication and hard work to achieve at a high level. When looking to his future, Brandon is interested in following the career path of finance.”
Kerr plans to attend Oregon State University in the fall.
Salutatorian Austin Coblentz is a highly engaged student willing to lead, volunteer his time and use his talents to help his community, Hughes said.
“He is very active in his local church community where he has helped with vacation Bible school and the mission plunge,” Hughes said. “He has also helped the Stayton and Sublimity parks for the last two years working on the new Frisbee golf course projects. During the 2011 winter flooding, he and his wrestling team helped fill sand bags for people who needed them to prevent the rising water from entering their homes.”
Coblentz is a three-year jazz band member who also achieved success on the athletic fields, earning a varsity letter in track, two varsity letters in cross country, serving as team captain this year.
“He also attained a four year letter in wrestling and has qualified four straight years for the OSAA state wrestling tournament,” Hughes said. “He has also participated three years in soccer and one year in tennis.”
Coblentz plans to have a career in mechanical engineering, and will attend Letourneau University in Longview, Texas, in the fall.
Regis High Schoolgraduates will receive their diplomas at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8 at the school. Baccalaureate is at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 5 at Immaculate Conception Church.
“As you move forward, many colors will enter the vibrant fabric of your life,” said principal Joni Gilles in a letter to the 43 graduating seniors. “My wish is that you will remember the significance of the green and gold – a strong faith and a firm belief in who you are – and allow these colors to guide you.
“I am proud of each one of you, and it has been my privilege to share these past four years with you,” she told the graduates.
Kimberly Webb is the valedictorian and Erica Csintalan is the salutatorian. Science teacher Patrick Mordhorst will be the commencement speaker.
“I could not be more proud of the class of 2014,” said Matt Thatcher, CHS principal, of the 194 students. “They have represented Cascade well academically, athletically, and throughout our community. I look forward to the continued success of each student, and I am genuinely excited about their futures as they become true leaders throughout our state and beyond.”
Valedictorians are Marie Kaitlyn Arnett, Michelle Catherine Atchison, Freya Marie Christensen, Sadie Elizabeth Cochenour, Kyla Michelle Creech, Kristine Joy Eck, Kristen Anne La Chapelle, Mary Alexandra Mukhin, Cynthia Maria Poli, John William Roth, Hannah Katherine Stuckart, Madison Lynn Van Dorp, and Sarah Elizabeth Walling. The salutatorian is Jasmine Nina Phongphouvanh.
Thirty-five Santiam High School seniors will graduate at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 13 in the high school gymnasium. Baccalaureate will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 in the high school auditorium.
“This is my 17th graduation as principal,” said Dave Plotts. “This group has done an outstanding job, and we are expecting great things from them in their future endeavors.”
Plotts said the seniors have overcome a lot of obstacles such as budget cuts and school changes and still have been able to achieve at a very high level.
“We are very proud of them,” he said.
Kelsey Arndt is valedictorian and Jordan Saari is salutatorian.
