Kevin White returns to his seat after receiving his diploma during Medomak Valley High School’s graduation ceremony Wednesday, June 12. (Maia Zewert photo)
Family, friends, and community members filled the Medomak Valley High School gym to watch 133 high school seniors graduate Wednesday, June 12.
Maddy White, president of the senior class, welcomed attendees and offered insight into what made the class unique. Deemed “the try-hards,” the seniors won seven consecutive spirit weeks and winter carnivals during their time at Medomak Valley.
However, it was not winning competitions that made the graduating class “try-hards,” White said. It was the students’ involvement in activities, including athletics, theater, and the arts, that made the nickname fit.
“Throughout these activities, we have learned to be motivated, generous, accepting, and kind,” White said. “We are try-hards, not because we can win a few competitions, but because we put ourselves out there and always strive to do the best, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.”
Following remarks from salutatorian Claire Bourett and valedictorian Mackenzie Bickmore, Elias Miller and Amos Hinkley introduced the evening’s speaker, math teacher William Hinkley.
Representing the fictional Medomak Valley Investment Corp., Hinkley offered the friends and family of the graduates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the class of 2019.
“This asset began accruing value 18 years ago and, believe it or not, it is fast approaching maturity. I use that word only in the fiscal sense,” Hinkley said.
By Hinkley’s calculations, taxpayers in the district invested approximately $155,313 in each of the 133 students over the tenure of their schooling. Teachers, whom Hinkley referred to as “fund managers,” have invested about 161,063 hours with the senior class, or 1,211 hours per student.
“We have stuck with this investment and we are proud of its value,” Hinkley said.
Hinkley listed some of the accomplishments of the seniors, including a two-time state snare drum champion, a published novelist, a two-time state champion wrestler, and, in a special shoutout to his son, the winner of the 2018 Unity Pond bass tournament.
“Cumulatively, you have all accomplished so much in four years. Your impact is real and has been noticed,” Hinkley said. “As you move on into the next phase of your life, whether it’s college, military, or employment, it will be harder to notice your impact, but trust that the greatness you have created within the walls of Medomak Valley can be replicated in the larger world.”
“The strong, capable, compassionate 133 of you have incredible power. We’ve invested a lot in you – put it to good use,” Hinkley said.
After the awarding of scholarships, Principal Linda Pease presented the seniors with their diplomas amid cheers, applause, and, in some cases, air horns.
To watch the graduation online, go to urlzs.com/SNx78.
