Washtucna honors three graduates

Three Washtucna graduates were recognized and honored for their achievements during the Washtucna High School graduation ceremony on June 2.

Two of the three graduates will be attending Washington State University in the fall, while their classmate will move on to serve in the military.

Between Valedictorian Jazzmyn Gordon and Salutatorian Aleycia Hamilton, the graduates netted $159,044 in scholarships. Classmate Aarron Phelps will be joining the United States Marine Corps this summer, and received a plaque to honor his commitment of serving his country.

During the ceremony, Gordon and Hamilton provided their valedictorian and salutatorian addresses, and teachers Staci Gloyn and Michael Dorman served as the guest speakers.

Gloyn presented first and took the opportunity to recognize the graduates not only as a group, but as individuals. She focused her speech on courage and love, and discussed how each student possessed these traits, as well as countless others.

Gloyn spoke of Phelps being the embodiment of courage and love, especially in his passion to join the military.

She highlighted Gordon as being the definition of heart and soul, as Gordon is a fighter and filled with determination to achieve every goal and encourage those around her to also succeed.

Gloyn also spoke about Hamilton’s selfless and compassionate nature, and how much she has grown as an individual and will continue to provide comfort, encouragement and guidance to those around her.

Dorman echoed Gloyn’s sentiment, and thanked the graduates for the opportunity to become a part of their lives.

“You were always my students. You have also become my friends, and you have become my family. Whether you like it or not, that’s exactly who you are to me. It’s who you are,” Dorman stated.

He spoke about how hard it was to watch this class leave and have to “give them away” to their future, and the difficulty of letting them go because of how much he has grown to love them.

“By now you know you have captured a portion of my heart. So when you go down that aisle I guess you’re taking a part of me with you after all, and that’s forever,” Dorman concluded.

Hamilton and Gordon both spoke of resilience, love, courage and confidence, and the importance of being a positive influence in the lives of others. They shared memories of school, and experiences that helped shape them into the people they are today.

Gordon focused her speech on different types of love, and how love has impacted and changed her life for the better.

Hamilton spoke of determination and learning life lessons through challenges and hardships, but coming away from those experiences as a stronger individual.

Superintendent Vance Wing presented each student with their individual scholarships, awards and certificates during the Saturday ceremony.

Gordon’s scholarships totaled $70,072 and included the $1,000 WSU Experience, $2,000 WSU Achievement, $60,572 four-year WSU scholarship, $1,000 Ritzville Warehouse, $1,000 Frances G. and David L. Ray, and $1,500 Washtucna-Benge Communities Scholarship.

Hamilton’s scholarships netted $88,972 and included $400 Daughters of the American Revolution, $22,500 Washington State Opportunities’ Scholarship, $1,000 WSU Experience, $2,000 WSU Achievement, $60,572 four-year WSU scholarship, $1,000 Washtucna Alumni, and the $1,500 Washtucna-Benge Communities Scholarship.

Gordon’s certificates included earning a minor in Chicano Studies from Eastern Washington University, through the College in the Classroom program. She also received the Washington State Certificate of Academic Achievement for achieving high school standards in English and Math, the Outstanding Academic Achievement for Current World Problems, and the Outstanding Academic Achievement for History 110.

Awards presented to Gordon included Outstanding History Government Student, Overall Senior FFA Award, Overall Senior Agricultural Education Award, District 9 FFA President, District Food Science, State Soil/Land Evaluation, State Agronomy, State Job Interview and Employment Skills, and SAE Outdoor Recreation.

Hamilton’s certificates include also earning a minor in Chicano Studies from EWU, and earning received the Washington State Certificate of Academic Achievement for achieving high school standards in English and Math, the Outstanding Academic Achievement for Current World Problems, and the Outstanding Academic Achievement for History 110.

Awards presented to Hamilton included Overall Senior FFA, District 9 FFA Vice President, District Food Science, State Soil/Land Evaluation, State Agronomy, State Job Interview and Employment Skills, and SAE for Sheep Production.

Phelps’ certificates included five credits from EWU College in the Classroom, and the Washington State Certificate of Academic Achievement for achieving high school standards in English and Math.

Awards presented to Phelps included four-year FBLA Membership, Elmer B. Lee Memorial Friendship Award, and the Washtucna High School Citizenship Award.