Five graduates receive diplomas in Washtucna

On Saturday morning, five Washtucna seniors received their high school diplomas and graduated from the Washtucna School District. Friends and family of the graduates gathered at the Washtucna gym on May 28 to celebrate the success of the students.

Gail Harder led the class as valedictorian, and fellow classmates are Douglas McKeen, Chance Rice, Kaese Ramos and Eric Wise.

Harder had the opportunity to present her valedictorian speech during the ceremony, where she stressed the importance of teachers, family and community. Throughout their experiences at Washtucna Schools, none of their success would have been possible without these three groups, Harder said.

She thanked all who supported her and her classmates on their journey to graduation, and discussed her favorite qualities of her fellow classmates. In a small town, support and encouragement really can go a long way in helping build leaders and successful students, Harder mentioned in her speech.

During the ceremony, the students were presented with awards and certificates they had earned throughout their high school careers.

The school administrators also announced the list of scholarships awarded to the five seniors.

Harder received three certificates for the All-Northwest Wind Symphony, Southeast Washington Honor Band and University of Montana All-Star Band.

She also received a $500 scholarship from the Washtucna Community Church, a $20,000 scholarship for the University of Idaho over four years, and the Washtucna Alumni Association Scholarship for $1,000.

McKeen earned certificates for Social Studies Certificate of Academic Achievement, FBLA Membership Certificate and Cords, and an ASB Certificate of Appreciation for his term as president. McKeen received five awards including the Elmer B. Lee Memorial Friendship Award, Washtucna High School Citizenship Award, Washtucna Ag Education Student Award, Outstanding History Government Award and Excellence in Agricultural Education Award.

He also earned $1,000 from the 2015 Washington State Grange Helen Marie Snyder Memorial Scholarship and a $3,500 award from the Washtucna-Benge Scholarship.

Ramos received certifications for Social Studies Certificate of Academic Achievement and a Certificate of FFA Leadership for his term as reporter. Ramos also received the Athlete of the Year Award, FFA Food Science Award and the FFA District 9 Agronomy Award.

He also netted a $2,500 scholarship from the Washtucna-Benge Scholarship.

Rice received the Washtucna FFA Student Award, Excellence in FFA Award, FFA District 9 Agronomy Award and FFA Livestock Raising Award.

Wise earned certificates for Football Pep Band, Basketball Pep Band and a Certificate of Achievement for Building Construction.

He also received the John Philip Sousa Band Award, FFA District 9 Agronomy Award and the FFA Livestock Judging Award.

Superintendent Vance Wing and Washtucna School Board Director Melinda Owens presented the five graduates with their diplomas. After moving their tassels, the students walked off the stage and through the crowd, ready for the next step in their lives.