Both the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Trenton High School Class of 2012 recognized family and friends who supported them and their classmates the past 13 years during Sunday’s commencement ceremonies at Ketcham Community Center.
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Karson Hill, who was named the top ranking student in the class, thanked his teachers and others who “put up with us and who probably worked harder for our education than we did.”
“I would like to say thank you to all our mentors and friends who supported us through high school, be it our neighbors, our Sunday school teachers or coaches,” Hill said. “You have all made an impact on our lives that we will soon not forget.”
He said that graduation “is serious stuff” and that with graduation comes many decisions and opportunities for the future.
“Many emotions stir inside us,” he said. “You may feel afraid or unsure about the next step in your life. I know I do sometimes. After all, we now have to go out into the real world and make something of ourselves. Even though we face a tough challenge, we must remember not to be afraid, but to trust our preparation and anticipate the great things to come.”
Hill said that the class has seen good times, bad times and ugly times and that the class was able to make it through together.
“Graduation is not where our story ends, but where it begins,” he said. “We have the power to better our lives and the lives of those around us. Let’s not waste that potential because far too many have made investments in our future. Though they would probably like to see us become well-known and influential people and to use that influence positively, they would much rather see us reach our fullest potential in life. They want to see us succeed in everything we do, including the little things that make up who we are and what we will become.”
Hill said it was important for he and his classmates to use what they have to help others just as those who helped them have done.
In conclusion, Hill encouraged his classmates that in times of doubt to remember God’s word from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Salutatorian Shelby Chaney also thanked those who have been instrumental in the lives of each class member, including parents who have “helped to push each of us to do our best.”
“Thank you for waking us up every morning for school for the past 13 years, even though we begged and pleaded for you to just let us sleep in or at least for five more minutes,” she said. “All your hard work in raising us to be responsible adults has finally paid off and 98 students are sitting in this gym today, waiting for that moment to be officially graduated and ready to move on to the next chapter of our lives.”
She also recognized the faculty of the Trenton R-9 School District, including those teachers in the elementary grades who allowed the students to pretend to sleep during nap time so they wouldn’t miss out on any fun.
Miss Chaney noted that when she and her classmates got to high school, they began to learn who they were and what was really important to each of them.
“As we began joining clubs and sports and learning new skills, our class grew in potential,” she said. “We each had an idea of how we wanted our senior year to be.”
She said that each class member has learned in their own way to deal with stress and has been able to “make it through so much in our lives.”
“I have no doubt that each graduate today will achieve great things,” she continued. “So the next time you’re stressed, take a step back, inhale and laugh. Remember who you are and why you are here. You’ve never been given anything in this world you can’t handle. So be strong, be flexible, love yourself and love others.”
She concluded with a motto from Dori in the movie, “Finding Nemo”: “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”
“You can all do whatever you set your mind to,” she said. “So hold your head high, walk with pride, never forget where you are from and who you truly are. If you only make one goal for yourself, make it to live boldly. You control this moment. Rather than curiously test the water, dive straight into life with free abandon. Image the person you want to be and the life you want to live, then simply commit to them. Belive in yourself. Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion. And whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make a splash.”
Recognition was given to the Top 10 academic students. In addition to Hill and Miss Chaney, the rest of the Top 10 included Haley Creason, Alexis Whitney, Mackenzie Mack, Clay Oneal, Morgan Brown, Katie Barone, Kimber Hixson and Vanessa Pauley. All received a scholarship medal to signify their accomplishment.
In a special recognition by members of the class, instructors Connie Hoffman and Taya Ray were selected to greet seniors as they received their diplomas, which were presented by Superintendent Becky Albrecht and Board President Kevin Bailey. The THS Band played several selections and Gold Rush sang “I’ll Be There.”