Dayton High Valedictorian Rachel Hadley addresses her 2016 classmates Wednesday evening during graduation ceremonies.
The 2016 class of Dayton High School didn’t let damp and dreary weather stop them from receiving their diplomas.
The class graduated Wednesday night, underneath a double rainbow that formed across the dark and rainy skies. Nearly 140 students, clad in maroon and silver gowns assembled on the Dayton High football field as their teachers gave the students parting advice.
“I often teach many children from the same families and I have come to realize that everyone is a unique individual,” said Spanish teacher Shanna Krueger. “So be you and every so often, treat your self.”
Parks and Recreation wasn’t the only popular culture item referenced with the graduation speakers; Kendrick Lamar and Winnie the Pooh also were quoted for inspiration.
Several students also were honored with awards at the graduation, including 22 students who won the Educational Excellence award and four students who won the Educational Achievement award for their academic successes.
“These students have shown growth and commitment to learning and I know each will go far,” said counselor Stephanie Paterson. “I am proud of their accomplishments.”
For Salutatorian Brady Heusser, the graduates’ accomplishments won’t end with diplomas, but they will have to continue on to enhance and share their unique gifts they have with the world.
“We all have unique gifts to use to better ourselves and others around us,” Heusser said. “...If we work hard we won’t waste our gift and we can be successful at anything if we set out mind to it to achieve our goals.”
Heusser said the graduates can’t be afraid of failure as long as they are willing to get back up and continue toward their goals.
“Even successful people fall before they succeed,” Heusser said. “We may fall too but we have to get back up so that we can show the world our special gift.
“Good luck in developing those gifts, I know we can do amazing things if we work hard.”
Valedictorian Rachel Hadley spoke of the things Dayton High gave to her in her four years there.
“Thanks for giving me the most valuable tools I will ever possess,” Hadley said.
She also said the students need to be brave when moving forward and excited for the future.
“It is so easy to dip your toes in the pool of life and complain about the temperature, but only the brave will jump in,” Hadley said.
Many of the students also shared Hadley’s thankfulness to Dayton High for the last four years of memories.
“I hope that everyone climbs their mountain, chases their dream and has success,” said senior class officer Catherine Turner. “Thank you for the memories, the laughs, but now it is time to start our lives.”
It was Shanna Krueger who summed up the end of graduation best:
“2016, out!”