Bittersweet farewell
<p>Photo by Jessica Stugelmayer. Salutatorian Sarah Anderson says an emotional thank you to her father, Tom Anderson, who watches from the stage.</p>
<p>Photo by Jessica Stugelmayer. Shantay Cran and Victoria Crenshaw sport customized caps and gowns during the graduation ceremony.</p>
<p>Photo by Jessica Stugelmayer. Valedictorian Robert Hocker crosses in front of the crowd before delivering his speech at graduation.</p>
<p>Photo by Jessica Stugelmayer. Robert Hocker reacts to receiving scholarships to the University of Montana.</p>
<p>Photo by Jessica Stugelmayer.</p>
Jessica Stugelmayer
Leader reporter
reporter3@leaderadvertiser.com
RONAN — Tears of sadness mixed with tears of joy Friday evening at the Ronan Events Center as the Class of 2013 said its final thank you and farewell to a gym packed with parents, teachers and supporters.
Salutatorian Sarah Anderson reminded her fellow students that graduation gives them a blank slate and a chance to make a better tomorrow.
“I know all of us have our own dreams and my hope is that you don’t forget them in the craziness of life,” she said.
Valedictorian Robert Hocker brought both laughter and tears with his speech, quoting and singing the song “I Like Giants” by Kimya Dawson. Hocker wanted the graduates to remember where they come from, that the world doesn’t revolve around them and to take risks when the benefits outweigh the consequences.
“Don’t just go around thinking you’re the most important thing, like the world revolves around you, because it doesn’t. It revolves around the Sun,” he said.
Guest speaker Amy Miller told the graduates to become the heroes of their own stories and that the path to success and happiness is never clear cut.
“In the end, your biggest failures will become your life’s most defining moments,” she said.
For some students, just making it to the graduation stage was a struggle. The “Big G” Award, named after Principal Dick Gallagher, honors a student who overcame great obstacles to graduate. Principal Kevin Kenelty presented the “Big G” Award to Jessie Drake.
All together the Class of 2013 garnered $434,000 in scholarships.