145 graduate from Shelley High

May 23, 2012

The Morning News – Leslie Mielke Shelley High School graduates pose for photographs after Tuesday’s graduation ceremony.

One hundred forty-five seniors graduated from Shelley High School on Tuesday.
Jessica Johnson and Willson Higham were the co-valedictorians.
Kayla Butler was named Miss Shelley High; Will Higham was named Mr. Shelley High.
To date, the class of 2012 has garnered $706,436 in scholarships.
In her valedictorian address, Johnson gave a brief overview of the students' years together.
“In sixth grade, we learned to say ‘poo-poo’ instead of crap,” she said.
In conclusion, Johnson quoted Winston Churchill who said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
In his address, Higham said, “We have gained knowledge about who we are as individuals. The world is full of decisions and choices. We have the experience of our youth; our destinations are as varied as we are as individuals.
“I want to thank our teachers, parents and families for helping us get where we are,” Higham said. “We did it!”
School Board Chairman Ken Kearsley challenged the graduates to dream big, believe in yourself, keep learning and work hard.
“Believe in yourself,” he said. “Be faithful to yourself and your integrity. You don’t receive respect; you earn it. Make the most of your opportunities, take risks. Have faith and discipline in yourself that when you fail, you get up to begin again. Don’t be afraid of failure.
“Keep learning,” Kearsley said. “If you are not learning; you are falling behind.
“Work hard,” he said. “As Vince Lombardi said, ‘The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.’
“Work toward your dreams,” Kearsley said. “You will know success in your future with a determination to reach your goals.”
Classmate Brock Cherry died in a car accident in the fall. His mother, Denise, was given his diploma during the graduation ceremony.
The class motto is, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so … get on your way!” by Dr. Seuss.
The Shelley High School Orchestra played the prelude and postlude. The Show Choir performed, “We are the Champions.”