WAITSBURG – Twenty graduating WHS seniors made the traditional walk down Kison Court to receive their diplomas at Waitsburg High School's 120th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 3. "If we can't find the road to success, we will make one," was the motto chosen by the class that proudly proclaimed and celebrated its uniqueness as the doors closed on high school and its members looked expectantly to the future.

Honor Speaker Caitlyn Jones, with a GPA of 3.26, is the daughter of Collette Jones and has been involved in a variety of activities throughout her high school career. She played volleyball all four years, served as ASB and FFA secretaries, is a member of FFA and Leos and is an active member of her class. After high school, she will serve our country in the Air Force.

Jones spoke about the many ways their class, a group of unique individuals, has always "taken the path less traveled on." Jones quoted from the movie The Breakfast Club, saying that the Class of 2016 will not be forgotten.

"'You see us as you want to see us. In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a misfit.' The Breakfast Club gives the best way to explain the Class of 2016. You guys have truly made high school an unforgettable experience," said Jones, addressing her classmates.

Class Salutatorian Zion Branson is the son of Leanne Branson and earned a 3.49 GPA. Branson is a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track all four years of high school. As a sophomore, he attended the 2B State Track meet where he competed in the shot put. After graduation, Branson will attend Lewis-Clark State College.

In his speech, Branson expressed thanks for the strong support of parents and teachers. "Our teachers have been guiding our education from the first time we walked through the elementary doors up until now, just minutes before we are given our diplomas. Not one time did one of us have doubts about whether or not we could achieve an education beyond high school and achieve any job we could possibly want thanks to our encouraging and kind teachers," Branson said.

Valedictorian Stuart Walsh, son of Jim and Ann Walsh, graduates with a 3.64 GPA. Walsh participated in Knowledge Bowl and Leos Club all four years of high school and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a sophomore. During his junior year he attended Evergreen Boys State where he served as State Attorney General. He serves as ASB and National Honor Society presidents his senior year and was a Waitsburg City Council student representative. Walsh plans to study engineering at Washington State University.

In his commencement address, Walsh reflected on favorite memories and thanked the school staff and family members for their support. "As I look at the Class of 2016 I see eager-eyed students who are about to dive into their college life, some starting their technical school life, some starting their military life, or even some plunging feet-first into the workforce. No matter what life we choose or where it takes us we'll never forget where we came from and we'll never forget the adversities we overcame and the good times we had as a class at Waitsburg High School," Walsh said.

Special presentations were made to Caitlyn Jones and Trey Potts, who received a standing ovation, for their plans to join the Air Force and Army, respectively, after graduation.

Caitlin Mohney was presented with the P.E.O. Citizenshipe Award given for outstanding citizenship, character, and service. Mohney's name will be added to a plaque that hangs in the WHS office. She also received a cash award of $1,000.

Eric Rohde presented the $1,000 Ernest Rohde Scholarship to alumnus Luke Alexenko who is attending Eastern Washington University with plans to become a teacher.

Retired Waitsburg teacher Margie Douglas awarded the first $1,000 Fanicuillo-Douglas Scholarship to Stuart Walsh.

Scholarships were awarded (see list below) followed by the presentations of the valedictorians and salutatorians. The class was presented by Class President Caitlyn Jones and received their diplomas from school board chairman Ross Hamann.

Scott Kirk Photography

Carol Clarke presents Caitlin Mohney with the P.E.O. Citizenship Award.

The newly graduated class exited the gymnasium to the fitting strains of Simple Mind's "Don't You (Forget About Me)," the theme song of The Breakfast Club.