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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (June 12, 2019)
6A | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 | COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL Kennedy from A1 Pate also extended her thanks to her parents, friends and classmates for their support and moti- vation. “I can’t wait to see all the things my classmates and I achieve in the fu- ture,” she said. “I’m proud of all of us.” Another student speak- er, Wyatt Leach, told of his journey from dropout to graduate, explaining that his lack of attendance and focus caused his grades to drop at Cottage Grove High School. On top of that, attempts at counseling were unfruit- ful. “A phrase that I re- peatedly heard was that I had dug myself into a hole and had to suffer the consequences,” he said. “A week later, I dropped out of high school, unsure of my future.” Leach realized he had to turn his life around, but he was wary of Cot- tage Grove’s alternative high school. “The problem was, when I was growing up, I was repeatedly told that Al Kennedy High School was the boogeyman school,” he said. “It was a place full of juvenile delinquents, bad kids and strict, mean teachers. I was told it’s a place you don’t want to end up.” However, Leach said the care and attention showed by school staff quickly changed his mind. “I can now tell you through first-hand expe- rience that none of these rumors are true,” he said. “After just a few weeks of attending Kennedy, I realized the teachers at this school genuinely care about their students more than any teachers I’ve had before in my entire life.” Leach thanked the school staff, his parents and grandparents for their dedication to see- ing him graduate, then addressed his classmates. “And to my fellow graduates, I want to re- mind you not to believe everything you hear in life,” he said. “Please go experience things in this world on your own and form your own opinions with an open mind. If I were to have listened to all the rumors about Al Kennedy High School, I probably would not be standing here today. I hope myself and my fellow graduates can look at today not just as the end of high school, but as the beginning of something bigger and the people who supported her in achieving her own dreams. “I encourage you to remember that many people helped you to get to school every day and gave you the strength to believe in yourself throughout this process,” she said. Teachers then took turns introducing attend- ing graduates individ- ually, commending the accomplishments, traits and potential of each be- fore handing them their diplomas. “One of the core beliefs of our school is that we strive to establish meaningful relationships with all of our students,” Ketcher said. Scrima then present- ed the graduating class and the ceremony ended with a recessional song performed by high school DAMIEN SHERWOOD/COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL An Al Kennedy senior expresses her thoughts about graduation on the back of her mortarboard cap while staff David Heritage, Danny Henson, Aimee sitting among classmates during Saturday’s ceremony. Cooper and Matt Hall. As each of the 27 attending of happiness and ac- Lastly, Al Kennedy given to Penland and Pate better.” graduates walked one by High School itself granted complishment. … Those to pursue their careers in Several scholarships one from the ceremony, scholarships to Somer- struggles have only made culinary arts and medi- were then presented. personalized verses were ville, Bull, Minson, Voigt, this moment sweeter and cine, respectively. Sherry Duerst-Higgins sung to commemorate have made you all stron- Leach, Allen, Kane, An- Next, the Gear Up presented three schol- their achievements and derson, Kaitlyn Vann and ger in the process.” Scholarship and Linda arships on behalf of the highlight their personal- Ketcher took the op- Randall Scholarship were Aidan Ellis. Cottage Grove Commu- Following scholarships, portunity to acknowledge ities. divided among students nity Foundation, award- Ketcher delivered a spe- Penland, Kappenman, ing both the Mildred cial message to graduates, Smith Memorial Scholar- Melisa Spicer, Thomas addressing the challenges Voigt, Braeden Allen, ship and Cottage Grove that many students had Yovani Robledo, Car- Board of Realtors Schol- Septe mber faced to be where there son Anderson, Theodor arship to Margariet Pen- 19-21 land and the Chambers Stark-Sharp, Cody Tread- were. 2019 “The class that sits here Family Lane Community well, Traevis Giffen and before us is made up of Kassadee Acridge. College Scholarship to talented, charming, car- South Lane Education Greta Kappenman. Association then present- ing and inspiring young Kappenman was then people,” she said. “Each ed another scholarship again awarded with the 43rd Annual Quilt Show “Th e Unbroken Th read” graduating student here to Anderson, which they Latham Elementary QUILT ENTRY & WORKSHOP REGISTRATION came to Al Kennedy for provide to students who School Scholarship, pre- Forms and guidelines are available online at their own reasons. … No “strive to be a leader.” sented to past students of www.pioneerquiltersquiltshow.blogspot.com matter what difficulties Scholarships through the school. you may have faced to get the Oregon Youth Con- The VFW Scholarship, Entry: June 1-July 31 Deadline: Aug. 1, 2019 here today, you should be servation Corps went to presented by Dennis Held at the Cottage Grove Armory filled with a great sense Tanin, Minson, Destiny Twite, was given to Pate. 628 E. 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