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So it begins ...
  
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Klamath Union, Mazama celebrate commencement
By Lee Beach
H&N Staff Writer
On a picture perfect day, Klamath Union High School launched more than 160 seniors into their future.
As they lined up to begin the commencement ceremony, their individuality showed in their footsteps and footwear — sneakers, polka dot pumps, aqua cowboy boots, sparkling gold and shiny red pumps, sandals and more.
They were sent on their way with words of encouragement from valedictorians and salutatorians. Some were phrased in a dare, to dare to fail, so they might succeed and dare to dream.
Others were given in the words of leaders like Winston Churchill, and personalities like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the lyrics of the Beatles.
Senior class president Jessica Chan called the graduation just the first, because “every day you graduate. It’s a process that goes on every day for the rest of your life. We are the inspiration of tomorrow.”
Shouts, whistles, air horns, cameras flashing, and cheering from family and friends erupted frequently, marking the passing out of the diplomas. Beach balls bounced lightly across mortarboards, and when the graduates recessed, the grass was littered with fancy footwear so the graduates could run to the center of the field amid a shower of red and white mortarboards.
Karalisa Fritch had a practical approach to post graduation plans, saying, “I need to get a job and get a place of my own.”
Andrew Ernst will be participating in some string (instrument) camps — Icicle Creek in Leavenworth, Wash., and one with the Klamath Symphony this summer — then it’s on to Klamath Community College for his associate’s degree and, in the future, a music education degree.
Nick Eckert plans to work this summer, then join the Air National Guard in the fall, hopefully to become a mechanic.
Ashley Chandler will also attend KCC in the fall, after camping this summer.
“I want to take the basics and then decide what to do,” she said. “I’m transferring as a junior to OIT. My dad works there.”
Cheyenne Bargas will spend the summer with family in California, then return to KCC for general studies, and transfer to Southern Oregon University for a teacher’s degree.
Nicolas Odeh waxed nostalgic, saying, “Graduating from Klamath Union is something I’ll always remember. I’ll take the memories and friends I’ve made with me.”
He plans to go to OIT to major in marketing.
Sophia Alarcon will work at The Ledge this summer, and plans to go on to Portland Community College in the fall.
Salutatorian Philip Narkiewicz-Jodko summed it up by predicting these were the young people who would become the business leaders, musicians, athletes, scientists and teachers of tomorrow.
180-plus graduate at Mazama
Mazama High School commencement sent its more than 180 graduates out with a song, several in fact, and praise from some of its speakers must have been music to the ears of parents, as well.
The concert band, jazz choir and an a cappella choir performed. “Until We Meet Again” brought a tear or two to the singers, and a Gershwin medley, “America the Beautiful” and the “Star Spangled Banner” drew enthusiastic applause.
Casey Germain opened with a request to the class of 2008 to applaud and thank family and friends. Overflowing stands spilled out onto the green grass of the center field, and children ran and played happily while valedictorians and salutatorians gave some heartfelt thanks to members of the class and to their families.
Kayna Bruner thanked them for accepting her as she was and respecting her beliefs.
“I am grateful to all. Have the courage to stand up for your beliefs,” she said.
Von Sergi charged the graduates, “Now it’s up to you to decide your own destinies. Turn your dreams into reality. We are responsible for who we become. Congratulate yourself for a job well done.”
Other speakers admonished them to become individuals, not conforming members of society — to follow their own paths, and to embrace this new chapter in their lives.
Dreams for the future
One person whose name was on the list, had already graduated, twice. Andrew Eddy had received his Mazama diploma early and had just graduated on Friday from six weeks of boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot near San Diego. He stood near the graduates, in uniform, holding some flowers for one special graduate.
Eric Allen will face some surgery this summer, then, “I’ll go to OIT in the fall for pre-veterinarian studies and go on to Washington or Oregon State.”
Alyssa Alvarez plans to have some fun first this summer, then move to Ashland or Redding to study nursing or Juvenile probation.
“I’m going to work my butt off this summer,” said Ashley Anderson, “then in the fall join the military — either the Air Force or Marines. I want to see the world.”
Ashley Allen plans to hang out with friends for the summer, then attend UC Davis in the fall to major in psychology.
They all have diverse dreams and plans, but one graduate said she would follow her father’s advice to find a job she loves, and she’d never “work” a day in her life.
As they lined up to begin the commencement ceremony, their individuality showed in their footsteps and footwear — sneakers, polka dot pumps, aqua cowboy boots, sparkling gold and shiny red pumps, sandals and more.
They were sent on their way with words of encouragement from valedictorians and salutatorians. Some were phrased in a dare, to dare to fail, so they might succeed and dare to dream.
Others were given in the words of leaders like Winston Churchill, and personalities like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the lyrics of the Beatles.
Senior class president Jessica Chan called the graduation just the first, because “every day you graduate. It’s a process that goes on every day for the rest of your life. We are the inspiration of tomorrow.”
Shouts, whistles, air horns, cameras flashing, and cheering from family and friends erupted frequently, marking the passing out of the diplomas. Beach balls bounced lightly across mortarboards, and when the graduates recessed, the grass was littered with fancy footwear so the graduates could run to the center of the field amid a shower of red and white mortarboards.
Her own place
Karalisa Fritch had a practical approach to post graduation plans, saying, “I need to get a job and get a place of my own.”
Andrew Ernst will be participating in some string (instrument) camps — Icicle Creek in Leavenworth, Wash., and one with the Klamath Symphony this summer — then it’s on to Klamath Community College for his associate’s degree and, in the future, a music education degree.
Nick Eckert plans to work this summer, then join the Air National Guard in the fall, hopefully to become a mechanic.
Ashley Chandler will also attend KCC in the fall, after camping this summer.
“I want to take the basics and then decide what to do,” she said. “I’m transferring as a junior to OIT. My dad works there.”
Cheyenne Bargas will spend the summer with family in California, then return to KCC for general studies, and transfer to Southern Oregon University for a teacher’s degree.
Nicolas Odeh waxed nostalgic, saying, “Graduating from Klamath Union is something I’ll always remember. I’ll take the memories and friends I’ve made with me.”
He plans to go to OIT to major in marketing.
Finding some work
Sophia Alarcon will work at The Ledge this summer, and plans to go on to Portland Community College in the fall.
Salutatorian Philip Narkiewicz-Jodko summed it up by predicting these were the young people who would become the business leaders, musicians, athletes, scientists and teachers of tomorrow.
180-plus graduate at Mazama
Mazama High School commencement sent its more than 180 graduates out with a song, several in fact, and praise from some of its speakers must have been music to the ears of parents, as well.
The concert band, jazz choir and an a cappella choir performed. “Until We Meet Again” brought a tear or two to the singers, and a Gershwin medley, “America the Beautiful” and the “Star Spangled Banner” drew enthusiastic applause.
Casey Germain opened with a request to the class of 2008 to applaud and thank family and friends. Overflowing stands spilled out onto the green grass of the center field, and children ran and played happily while valedictorians and salutatorians gave some heartfelt thanks to members of the class and to their families.
Kayna Bruner thanked them for accepting her as she was and respecting her beliefs.
“I am grateful to all. Have the courage to stand up for your beliefs,” she said.
Von Sergi charged the graduates, “Now it’s up to you to decide your own destinies. Turn your dreams into reality. We are responsible for who we become. Congratulate yourself for a job well done.”
Other speakers admonished them to become individuals, not conforming members of society — to follow their own paths, and to embrace this new chapter in their lives.
Dreams for the future
One person whose name was on the list, had already graduated, twice. Andrew Eddy had received his Mazama diploma early and had just graduated on Friday from six weeks of boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot near San Diego. He stood near the graduates, in uniform, holding some flowers for one special graduate.
Eric Allen will face some surgery this summer, then, “I’ll go to OIT in the fall for pre-veterinarian studies and go on to Washington or Oregon State.”
Alyssa Alvarez plans to have some fun first this summer, then move to Ashland or Redding to study nursing or Juvenile probation.
“I’m going to work my butt off this summer,” said Ashley Anderson, “then in the fall join the military — either the Air Force or Marines. I want to see the world.”
Ashley Allen plans to hang out with friends for the summer, then attend UC Davis in the fall to major in psychology.
They all have diverse dreams and plans, but one graduate said she would follow her father’s advice to find a job she loves, and she’d never “work” a day in her life.
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
Laurie Anne wrote on Jun 9, 2008 5:16 AM:
" Wow, doesn't seem possible that I graduated from KU 30 years ago. I can remember my graduation day and the excitement and joy I felt.
My life has not turned out the way I'd envisioned it that day back in June 1978, but I wouldnt' have changed a thing.
Let each day be a learning experience and bend with the winds of time. LIFE IS A BLAST!! "
My life has not turned out the way I'd envisioned it that day back in June 1978, but I wouldnt' have changed a thing.
Let each day be a learning experience and bend with the winds of time. LIFE IS A BLAST!! "
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HN editor wrote on Jun 9, 2008 5:59 PM: