Sisters High School graduates largest class

A combination of heartfelt tributes and entertaining speeches highlighted the 2008 commencement ceremony at Sisters High School that featured the largest graduating class in the school's history.

More than 160 students received diplomas in the two- hour ceremony, but it was the music, slide show and words from seven of the students themselves that made the evening one to remember.

After welcoming special guests, including superintendent Elaine Drakulich and school board chair Mike Gould, principal Bob Macauley introduced senior class president Brian Greaney who presented a gift from the senior class in the amount of $1,800 to go toward building a grandstand at the track and football facility on campus.

The overflow crowd was then treated to speeches from four valedictorians and three salutatorians.

Salutatorians Kelsey White and Kanoa James made their speech together, much to the delight of all present. Starting with a chant about conquering lions and tigers, the two alternated quips as well as deeper thoughts about their classmates and the four years they spent together at SHS.

In complimenting the class for its creativity, athleticism and scholastic achievement, the pair compared the class's diversity and connectedness to "a veritable mixed berry layer of parfait" about to move on as individuals.

Simon Van Neste, who arrived at Sisters High as a sophomore sincerely thanked his classmates for making him feel welcome as a new student and teachers and staff for their teaching and mentorship both in and out of the classroom. "Thank you for pushing me, encouraging me, and making me believe in myself," he said.

Rachel Sims spoke of her belief that her classmates would likely be quite well-known for their contributions in the future and encouraged them to continue to pursue their passions:

"Don't forget how it feels to do something for no other reason that you love it. Don't forget to choose exuberance over taste, enthusiasm over perfection, and occupations that will make you happy over those that will make you rich."

Valedictorians Thomas Shepherd and Riley Gilmore began together, but each had his own unique message for the class. Gilmore compared his classmates to the salty goodness of pickles as opposed to the blandness of plain cucumbers and Shepherd underlined once again the many talents among the graduates.

Ryanne Fujita-Conrads took the podium next and used some of her favorite memories of high school to illustrate the quality of her experience in Sisters. She walked the audience through the art room reminiscing about Mr. Baynes and the artwork he inspired. She then took them across the hall into the band room to experience the band directed by Mr. Henderson. Next, the audience got to run down Peterson Ridge in a rainstorm with the cross country team. Finally she arrived in class and spoke of the dedication of her teachers who, she said, "put in countless hours toward our high school experience."

Brian Greaney wrapped up the speeches thanking his classmates for making his two years at Sisters High meaningful and memorable.

"Although I was upset that I had to move here, tonight I am sad to be saying goodbye," he said. "The students and teachers are truly amazing and I only wish I could have gotten to know them sooner."

Nine musically gifted seniors followed the speakers with their rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" which was followed up by the tradition of presenting flowers to mothers of graduates as a symbol of thanks.

The senior video, always a crowd favorite, contrasted baby pictures with senior portraits and then it was time to recognize each graduate by handing out diplomas.

It took a while to get through all 167 students, but moments after the final graduate crossed the stage, the entire class stood and Principal Macauley presented the class of 2008 to an explosion of cheers and tossed caps.

The class motto "We will find a way or we will make one" came in handy as the class departed the gym and struggled through the crowd to meet loved ones outside.

A breakdown of 167 students who took part in the commencement celebration shows 132 students earned a 26-credit SHS diploma, 27 students completed a 22-credit state diploma, four earned a modified diploma and 4 were exchange students. A total of 41 students received the Honors Diploma, which debuted this year.

In addition, three members of the class earned GEDs and four members of the class did not complete requirements for a certificate.

The ceremony made a good impression on first-year superintendent Elaine Drakulich.

"I found graduation to be a rich, warm, personal and well- organized celebration, most becoming of our outstanding seniors," she said.