Getting in their final say
Written by Lanesha Reagan, Former Student on Friday, May 25, 2012
In less than thirty days the class of 2012 will be leaving SHS. Moving on to bigger and better things, their time at SHS is almost up. One thing they still have to accomplish before they move on is graduation. Every year it is tradition to have the class president, valedictorians, and one selected student to speak at the ceremony. This year, valedictorians Grifynn Clay and Maegan Nelson will be speaking, along with class president, Kyle Ferguson. Still with one at large speaking position to be determined these seniors have a long way to go before they can finally say goodbye to SHS.
For valedictorians Grifynn Clay and Maegan Nelson, graduation means a lot more than just being able to leave Snohomish. Working hard to maintain the best grades in their class and auditioning for the chance to give their speeches at graduation, they now have the opportunity to make their final mark on SHS.
Clay knew from the start he wanted to make an impression on Snohomish, being actively involved in the programs around school. “I’ve wanted to [speak at graduation] since I came to public school, it has just always sounded awesome to do.” Planning on attending Gonzaga this fall, Clay wants to make his lasting mark on the graduating seniors.
For Nelson, over achieving is what she does, and she’s good at it. “My family and I have this thing where we say if you are going to go to something, you need to be part of it or else it’s kind of a waste of time.” She laughs. Always thinking that speaking at graduation would be fun, Nelson decided to try out for one of the two speaking positions for valedictorians. After graduation Nelson plans on attending Whitman College, one if not the most prestigious colleges in Washington state. Later, she hopes to attend medical school to become a reconstructive surgeon specializing in trauma.
With the added pressure of being class president, Ferguson now has to deal with a graduation speech. Although being the president was “exciting and fun” it was also a lot of hard work. Helping put together assembles, leading senate meetings, and helping SHS in general was all part of the daily routine for Ferguson, who will be attending Western Washington University this fall.
This year’s class speaker, Shannon Harris, also had to audition for the spot. “I love speaking,” states Harris. “I think that it is a good way to end high school.” Harris plans to attend University of Washington in the fall.
Although, it will be hard, all the seniors are starting to let go of the school that has been a part of them for four years and move on towards the next chapter. Even after they graduate they will always be a panther.
