Class of 2023 Graduates

Restless anticipation rippled through the Dee Events Center on Friday afternoon, May 26, as

family, friends, and school personnel gathered to celebrate with the graduates of the Class of

2023.

A wave of maroon filled the seats in front of the stage, as this year’s graduates took their places

at the beginning of their last assembly as high school students. For most, the finality of

graduation represented a stepping-off point that they have been anticipating for some time; for

some, this change of routine comes with trepidation; for others, it’s a bit of relief to have made it.

After the processional, some of our local veterans posted the flags and led the attendees in the

pledge of allegiance; after which, Vocal Sterling Scholar Brickman Walker sang the national

anthem, the first of three musical performances during the ceremony.

Senior Class Vice President Brock Duke and Secretary Breck Shupe then formally welcomed

the crowd and congratulated their classmates, before turning the podium over to Principal Crae

Wilson to recognize the class valedictorian and salutatorian.

Valedictorian Ben Hadley drew from historical figures to inspire his peers to “find motivation from

the persistence, bravery, and passion of both military and civilian stories of people fighting for

principles that they believed in” and that “if we never bend to the pressures of potential failure

and discouragement by others, we can be persistent and determined to accomplish what we set

our minds to.”

Salutatorian Lucy Tripp joked that “I don’t know about you, but I’m a little sad until I think about

doing another year,” followed by reminders of some challenges the class faced, including “test

to play” during covid and the steep rise in gas prices just as the class was beginning to drive.

She then shifted gears to joke about her peers’ improved dance moves and to compliment their

athletic accomplishments before asserting, “We'll encounter successes and even face unfair

tragedies, but we've proven we can handle and even thrive through unanticipated changes.”

Challenges and change were also the central themes for Class President Ben Clayton and SBO

President Cade Johnson. Ben shared an experience from his junior math class, when he had

asked the teacher why they had to do the problems, to which she had replied, “It’s not about

what the problem is; it’s about the skills you develop while solving the problem.” He went on to

encourage his fellow graduates to “go out into the world with courage and determination” and

that as “we embark on our different paths, let us remember the lessons learned and the trials

overcome.”

Cade also talked about the paths he and his classmates would be following over the next few

years, then turned to expressions of gratitude for his teachers and family, saying, “I wouldn’t be

here if it wasn’t for all them and all these wonderful people in my life.” He concluded with further

words of encouragement: “Graduates, go live your lives and be your best selves.”

Before the actual awarding of the diplomas, Principal Wilson took a few moments to recognize

MHS Class of ‘92 alumna Kim Cox as a “light” for the graduating class and others. Kim has

done a second complete run through the district’s educational program as an interpreter for our

hearing-impaired students, using her positivity and skills to lift others as they overcome unique

challenges.

After each graduate was recognized and each diploma awarded, the class joined with the crowd

to sing the school song before transitioning their tassels from right to left as a symbol of their

success–so far.

Congratulations, Class of 2023.