Graduation a beautiful day for SHS seniors

Colin Hedren celebrates graduation.

Ninety-eight seniors entered into the next phase of life at the 54th Commencement of Sisters High School Thursday, June 6 in the high school gymnasium.

The ceremony began formally with the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" as the graduates marched in, but the class couldn't hold itself back a few minutes later as soloist Ted Hunt, accompanied by other seniors from band and choir, treated the crowd to a lively rendition of U2's "Beautiful Day."

In addition to caps and gowns, 41 seniors were adorned with silver cords signifying their completion of the Certificate of Intial Mastery.

Paul Head, ASB president, welcomed family, friends, and graduates before Joel Meyer presented a beautiful print of wild horses running through the Steens Mountains by local artist Dan Rickard to Sisters High School as a gift from the class of 2002.

Salutatorian Brandon Overstreet spoke to his classmates about their common bond as graduates of Sisters High School and urged them to continue being adventuresome.

"Never stop exploring," he said. "On your journey, things may go wrong... but in times like these never forget that your family, this community, and these friends are behind you for support and guidance."

Overstreet then turned the microphone over to valedictorian Jamie Cundiff, who gave an eloquent analogy of the high school years being like a trip down the river.

"Different sections of the river reminded me of my classmates that I have been so privileged to know," she said. "Parts of the river are energetic and fun, and you never know what they'll do next -- kind of like Casey Glick."

She brought the message right to the present near her conclusion.

"As the take out area came into view, I was surprised by how quickly the trip went by, as have our days at SHS," she said.

"At this point, we are ready to leave the river and venture into the ocean, where we will face unknown challenges and unlimited opportunities.

"Congratulations on successfully navigating this section of the river -- it's been quite a ride."

Following the speeches, the seniors expressed thanks to their mothers and step-mothers by presenting them flowers and proceeded to sit on the floor to watch a video prepared by teacher Jon Renner featuring photos of the seniors from the past and present.

Boyd Keyser then quickly moved on to the business of evening: the presentation of diplomas.

With the assistance of Joel Meyer and outgoing school board chair Heather Wester, Keyser delivered 84 Sisters High School diplomas and 14 State of Oregon diplomas.

Caps flew and whoops of joy echoed as Keyser presented the Sisters High School class of 2002.