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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 16, 2021)
SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 9A MAPLETON from page 1A She described the Maple- ton Class of 2021 as having “determination, persever- ance and an air for following our hearts and dreams.” After she spoke, former Mapleton teacher and coach Jeff Greene addressed each graduate, talking about their accomplishments. This segued well into a presenta- tion by Valedictorian Ori- on Ricks, who shared about each of the seniors’ plans af- ter school. In addition, he talked about the past 15 months and the different trajectory the COVID-19 pandemic created for the students. This included distance learning, hybrid school days and, fi- nally, getting to attend part of their senior year in person. “We continued to persist, fighting against everything pushing against us,” Ricks said. “I’m sure that one thing we can all agree on, is that this has been the strangest school year we have ever, and most likely will ever have. However, I wouldn’t have wanted to have it anywhere else.” Following this, Siuslaw Regional Scholarship Coor- dinator Bob Orr, a represen- tative from Mapleton Lions Club and Johnny Sundstrom presented scholarships from local organizations to the graduates. Orr complimented Ma- pleton not only on the suc- cess of the students — who received a record amount of money from the regional scholarships — but on the beautiful ceremony under mostly sunny skies. The students also were able to give back to the com- munity as they presented white roses to important people who helped shape their lives. This was led by Senior Phillip Burnett. One special component to Mapleton’s graduation is the Outstanding Senior Award, which Mapleton High School Principal Brenda Moyer pre- sented to Ricks. The ceremony then reached the conclusion as Mapleton Superintendent Jodi O’Mara prepared to present diplomas. She was joined by Mapleton School Board Member Mizu Bur- russ and Moyer. Once each senior received their diploma, O’Mara then led the graduates in moving their graduation cap tassels from the right to the left. The graduates then left the field. They led the attend- ees down to Mapleton High School, where their senior signs, coordinated by the Florence Kiwanis Club and the school district, allowed for families to gather and re- main distanced from other guests. According to Moyer, “It ended up being an amazing day. We were all so grateful to have a normal celebra- tion.” The Mapleton seniors chose to have the ceremony outdoors, rain or shine. “This was a great way to give them something special that no other class has had — and that’s an outdoor gradu- ation,” O’Mara said. People will be able to watch the video of gradua- tion soon by going to maple- ton.k12.or.us. As Part of Ricks’ speech, he said, “The people I have met here are some of the best I have ever spent time with in school. The teachers truly care about you, not only in school, but your life in gen- eral. The administration tries to understand where every- one is coming from, and tries to meet you at your level, and help you the best they can. The students know how to have fun, but also know how to just be a friend when you need one. The coaches help you grow, the aides help you learn, and the kitchen staff makes sure that seconds are almost always available. For all of the students still here, don’t take what you have for granted. “This district really is quite remarkable, in its own spe- cial way.” Support and Encourage Youth Artists Art Classes 2020 Scholarship Award Celebrations Art Festivals Open Studio Gallery Poetry Open Mic Poetry Slam Our mission is to unify and support all the arts, enrich cultural life and stimulate economic vitality in Florence. Community Support, Giving Tree
