By Mary Owen
Graduating students are gearing up for their next big step in life.
Stayton High School will have 137 graduates receiving diplomas at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 7 at the Salem Armory.
The Class of 2019 valedictorian is Sarah Vanhyning and salutatorian is Mason Riedman.
“This class is an energetic, positive group that has made our school a better place,” said Principal Alan Kirby. “I’ve enjoyed the time that I have had to spend with them as a group, and individually over the years and this spring. They have great potential, and I am proud of their hard work to make it to this point.”
Regis High School will honor 15 graduates at commencement exercises
at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9 in the Regis gym.
This year’s valedictorian is Andrew Tabor and the salutatorian is Holly Blish.
“The Class of 2019 is caring, close knit and talented,” said Principal Rick Schindler. “They are an incredible group of young men and women!”
Santiam Junior/Senior High School graduates 41 students at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 7 at the school.
Brittany Grenbemer and Grace Goodell are the Class of 2019 valedictorians. There is no salutatorian this year.
“The Class of 2019 is incredible,” said Principal Angela Rasmussen. “They are a smart, caring and hardworking group of students. They kept me on my toes with their constant requests and made me laugh all the time. I am so proud of each of them.”
Cascade High School has 164 graduates this year. The ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 on the Cascade Federico Field.
The Class of 2019 valedictorians are: Marla Oliva, Sage Turner, Hannah Delamarter, Thomas Sly, Devin Privratsky, Matthew Stahlberg, Faith Drill, Meaghan Smith, Emma Miebach and Emily Vetter. Salutatorian is Margaret Remy.
“It has been a pleasure to serve as the principal for the class of 2019 for the last four years,” said Principal Matt Thatcher. “I have known many of these students since they were in elementary school, and it has been really enjoyable to watch them grow and mature. I am excited about their futures.”
Oregon Connections Academy counselors are still totaling credits and grades but expect the number of graduates to exceed 450 this year.
“While Oregon Connections Academy has many bright students with high GPAs, there is not a valedictorian or salutatorian designated to speak at the commencement ceremony,” said Lauren Dillon, outreach manager. “Instead, two graduates were selected to deliver remarks at the ceremony after several students submit speeches for consideration and a screening process was conducted by school staff.”
Student Body President, Garrett Kincaid, 18, from Lyons will speak at the ceremony to be held the second weekend in June at the State Fairgrounds in Salem.
Kincaid plans to attend Chemeketa Community College and then hopes to serve his country in the U.S. Naval Academy.
“ORCA has helped me prepare by presenting me with reasonable challenges and expecting me to be honest and hard-working,” said Garrett. “This will truly help me in my future and keep me on the right track.”
The other speaker is Madelena Bickley, 16, from Harrisburg, a 12th grade senator in Oregon Connections Academy’s student government. She’s majoring in physics in the Degree Partnership Program with Oregon State University and Linn Benton Community College. “It is a privilege to witness these successes every year, and to know that these incredible students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and self-discipline they need to chart their unique paths toward achieving their goals,” said Allison Galvin, ORCA’s executive director. “It is gratifying to know that our school played some role in the success of our incredible graduates.”
Graduation ceremonies
Cascade High School
Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m.
Frederico Field
10116 Marion Road, SE, Turner
Santiam Junior/Senior
High School
Friday, June 7, 6 p.m.
at the high school
265 SW Evergreen Sr., Mill City
Stayton High School
Friday, June 7, 7 p.m.
Salem Armory
2310 17th St. NE, Salem
Regis High School
Sunday, June 9, 1:30 p.m.
School gymnasium
550 W. Regis St., Stayton
