Time Doesn't Slow Down for Anyone
As he stood atop the afternoon's biggest stage, class chosen speaker, Evan Ozanich, looked out at his classmates dressed sharply in blue and gold. With carefully crafted words directed toward the 269 classmates sitting before him, Ozanich reminisced about the group's school experiences. Telling anecdotes of class memories and unique experiences, Ozanich shared the significance of 13 past years, especially the last four.
As he recounted different high school moments, Ozanich explained that in the Class's celebration of the day, there were challenges and obstacles that had to first be overcome. Ozanich shared that the Class of 2024 was the last class of high school students affected by the COVID pandemic, and in the fall of the group's freshmen year, the first day of school was experienced at home and learning continued there through November. However, as students transitioned back to campus and activities resumed, the Class ended the year with a taste of what high school could be. Recounting the group's sophomore adventures, Ozanich said they learned what high school was really about, and that year, in addition to their junior campaign, students enjoyed a variety of activities including pep assemblies, homecoming week, dances, sporting events, and participation in clubs. However, in the enjoyment of these moments that were delayed in start, Ozanich admitted that as seniors, he and his classmates did their best to slow time down. And, even though their 13th school year was packed with events, creating memories, try as they wanted, Ozanich said Time Doesn't Slow Down for Anyone!
Preceding Ozanich's address, faculty chosen speaker, Byanca Perez Villegas, began the afternoon's celebration by sharing how she and her classmates enjoyed their high school experiences because they embraced the opportunities provided over four years. Perez Villegas then challenged her classmates that even in their graduation accomplishment to continue to prepare for their future, and, wherever opportunity takes them to live everyday as if it were their last.
In his message to graduates, Superintendent, Kevin McKay, congratulated the Class for their achievement. McKay further thanked the group for their high class and integrity, which comes about from caring for each other and the community – all part of The Viking Way.
Prior to the announcement of graduates, Principal, Colton Monti, addressed the Class by praising them as being a remarkable group that was passionate and resilient, and who left their mark on the community. Also, Monti shared that the journey to graduation was a collective effort, and in the Power of We, there was strength in unity. Monti said the Power of We recognizes differences and makes people strong in order to propel forward. Monti encouraged students to lean on the Power of We in their future.
In his final words to his classmates, Evan Ozanich said each of them had made important choices for the future: Some will go to college, others will enter the military, some will embrace the work force, while others take a gap year. Ozanich encouraged the Class that no matter what choice they made, to live life because there is still more to learn. And, although no one knows what the future holds, one thing is certain — Time doesn't slow down for anyone.