Creek Valley graduates 20 in Class of 2016 commencement ceremony

It was an afternoon of reminiscing about the past and looking towards the future as 20 graduates received their high school diplomas during the Creek Valley High School Class of 2016 commencement ceremony held inside the high school's gymnasium in Chappell on Saturday.

"Enjoy this success," Superintendent Ron Howard said to the soon-to-be graduates following some welcome remarks from Senior Class Vice-President Nash Leef. "Cherish the moment with family and friends, and then get back to work on your goals and your aspirations."

Howard then introduced Salutatorian Joellyn Straber for her address.

In her speech, Straber spoke about her class's "unusual ability to procrastinate everything."

"Throughout the years, I've learned that my class puts the 'pro' in procrastinating," she said. "It's almost as if we all took a chill pill."

Straber said the procrastination does have some good sides, however, such as the lack of "drama" from her graduating class.

"I'm so glad to be part of a class that is too lazy to have drama," she said. "It's pretty great."

Straber said even with the amount of procrastinating her class did, she was impressed with the things they had accomplished.

"All of that just adds to the uniqueness and greatness of this class," she said. "We might be lazy on several different aspects, but everyone knows that there are certain ways of getting us all to do something."

Straber concluded by telling her fellow graduates that everything is not going to be as simple as it was in high school, and it was time for them to "step it up."

"Class of 2016, if we could put off graduation, I think we just might have," she said. "But I think we've waited too long for this, and I think we are all ready to get out. Though not all of us know what we're going to do next, I know that each and every one of us has the ability to do something great."

Valedictorian Keith Everitt followed with his address, telling his classmates that it was a bittersweet moment for him. He said it is hard not to form bonds with people in a class like theirs, and he will never forget the memories they made in high school.

"We've grown up a lot," Everitt said. "We've gone from nervous, immature freshman to, well, less immature seniors. We have a lot of growing up left to do."

Everitt said as many of them prepare for college, a "new and intimidating chapter of our lives," he believes that their experiences in Creek Valley Public Schools have helped them to prepare.

He then gave some advice to his classmates, telling them to personally thank and honor those who helped them along the way.

"Because none of you have gotten here on your own," he said.

Everitt also told his fellow graduates to "go out and really live."

"Go out and discover what makes you come alive," he said. "And do it with a full-blown passion. Along with that, measure your success with joy."

Everitt also advised that his class strive to make an impact and to have a joyful spirit wherever they go.

"Explore everything life has to offer, treasure those around you and love the place you're at," he said. "And take every step with the purpose of becoming someone better than you are today."

Scholarships were presented to graduating seniors by Principal Patrick Ningen and Counselor Kathy Ford. Ningen said a total of $342,000 in scholarships were awarded to Creek Valley seniors this year.

Following scholarships, the seniors came onstage one a time to receive their diplomas from Board President Jason Phillips. Once the final diploma was handed out, Ningen conferred the class and congratulated the seniors on their accomplishment.

The seniors then left the stage and entered the crowd to present white roses to friends, family, teachers and other members of the community who helped guide them through their lives.

Class Treasurer Chandra Smith gave the closing remarks for the commencement ceremony.

"No matter what we do, or where we go, there will be challenges ahead of you," she said. "Meet them with your head held high and heart open wide. Today, we're on the brink of a chapter in our lives. Take a moment to reflect on where we are and what we've done to get here.

"Congratulations, my fellow graduates of the Class of 2016. Wherever we go, and whatever we do, may we be friends when we meet again."