Prescott Seniors Recount Memories

PRESCOTT -- Royal blue robes fluttered through a gym full of camera flashes and cheering family and friends as the class of 2012 marched up to the stage while "Pomp and Circumstance" flowed from a piano played by AJ Jacobson at the Prescott High School graduation ceremony last Friday evening.

The ceremony opened with praise from Superintendant William Jordan for the recent academic achievement and school distinction awards Prescott High School received this school year.

Valedictorian Claudio Nuñez addressed the class and the audience with his experiences with challenges and what the class can expect in their new and changing lives. He said the trials the class faced brought them to where they are now.

"Each of us will take a different path," Nuñez said. "But all of our memories will stay with us."

Nuñez is a model of overcoming challenges successfully. He started learning to speak English just five years ago.

"But look at me now," Nuñez said.

Nuñez then continued to give his speech in Spanish, reminding his classmates that anything is possible for them.

Lucero Castañeda, on behalf of the graduating class, recognized school counselor Marianne Newell who is retiring this June. Castañeda said the class thanks her for her hard work and said they were grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.

A special segment of graduation was dedicated to the parents of the graduates. The parents of each student were announced one by one and with the announcement, the student presented their parents with flowers and a hug. The students greeted their parents and supporters with excited, anticipating smiles and were met with many teary, reminiscent glances.

Two screens lit up the gym with a slideshow of each graduating student from very young ages to their senior year. The audience cheered for each student as their lives flashed across the screens. The segments were only a few minutes each, but they represented the paths the students had to travel to get to this monumental day.

Nuñez said it feels good to be done with high school. He, like many of his classmates, plans to continue working this summer. Nuñez is employed at El Sombrero in Walla Walla.

The 16 graduates were announced by school board Chairwoman Karen Tonne and presented by Principal

Jodi Thew. The three members of National Honor Society were Brittany Carpenter, Claudio Nuñez and Logan Wanous. The two students awarded with academic achievement were Samantha Delgado and Logan Wanous. The three students who made honor roll were Francisco Gonzales, Claudio Nuñez and Logan Wanous.

class song:

"We are Young" by fun

class Poem:

"Graduation Day"

By Joseph T. Renaldi

National Honor Society:

Brittany Carpenter, Claudio

nunez, Logan Wanous

Academic Achievement

Samantha Delgado,

Logan Wanous