Congratulations to the Class of 2023 graduates from our local high schools.
The North Santiam School District will graduate 177 students this year, with 145 graduating from Stayton High School and an additional 32 from NSSD Options Academy.
Valedictorians for the Class of 2023 are Laurel Bjornstedt, Hope Bridge, Daniel Odenthal and Sarah Wolf. Kaley Larsen is the salutatorian.
The graduation ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. on June 9 in the Salem Armory Auditorium in Salem.
“The Class of 2023 has played a key role in bringing joy back to school after the pandemic changed so many things,” said Vicky Storey, SHS principal. “They have embraced relationships with their teachers and with one another and have enthusiastically embraced opportunities to be involved in the school’s culture. These young adults have demonstrated resilience and optimism.”
Regis St. Mary Catholic Schools will have 28 seniors graduating this year. The graduation ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on June 2 in the Regis High School gymnasium.
The RHS valedictorian is Peyton Stuckart, and the salutatorian is Macy Silbernagel.
“The Class of 2023 is an exceptional group of young men and women, said Candi Hedrick, principal. “They have had a unique high school experience, but they’ve demonstrated immense joy, a strong sense of community, and an intense desire to excel spiritually, academically and athletically.
“Four years is never enough time, but we have enjoyed the Class of 2023 and wish them the very best,” Hedrick added. “Go, Rams!”
Cascade High School will send off 150 seniors this year. The graduation ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on June 7 at Federico Field, the high school’s football field.
The Class of 2023 valedictorians are Brett LeDay, Jessica Main, Zachary Moore, Teagan Sanders and Riley Woodral. The salutatorians are Clifford Gamble, Abigail Scott and Nicole Varner.
“CHS is proud to present over 170 graduates to our community!” said Peter Rasmussen, CHS principal. “These students have accomplished so much in terms of their academics, activities, clubs, athletics and community service. We believe the class of 2023 will achieve great things and impact our world for good.”
Also graduating this year are 18 seniors from the Cascade Opportunity Center.
“We are so proud of our 18 graduates this year!” said Marie Thompson, COC/CVA principal. “There wonderful students have worked so hard to achieve their diplomas. Congratulations!”
Thompson added, “Many have been able to graduate a bit early and are already in the workforce while some are furthering their education at trade schools or universities! All have shown that they are resilient and determined to take the next step in life and make this work a better place!”
