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SE Valley Class of 2017 leaves its mark

88 graduates bid farewell

- Messenger photo by Kriss Nelson 2017 graduate Keanna Taylor and her cousin and usher Karissa Hiesterman take a selfie while prepping for Southeast Valley High School graduation on Sunday afternoon in Gowrie.

GOWRIE — “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be,” J.K. Rowling.

That is the class motto for the 2017 graduating class of Southeast Valley High School.

In between musical selections, which included “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent,” sung by the Southeast Valley senior choir, and “Imagine” by John Lennon and performed by the Southeast Valley band, three seniors spoke to their class, parents, family, friends and faculty.

Breanna Hartley, Regina Cook and Jason Stuart were chosen as class speakers for their commencement.

“I wanted to be able to give a final remark in school, go out with a bang,” said Stuart.

- Messenger photo by Kriss Nelson Kaelan Lundberg and his new puppy Bo celebrate Lundberg's recent graduation from Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie on Sunday.

Stuart spoke of the opportunity and challenges that face the class of 2017.

“I spoke about the future, what’s open for us as a new generation,” he said.

Hartley said she tried for a spot as class speaker in order to not have any regrets.

“It’s an honor to speak at graduation, and I feel like I would have regretted not trying,” she said.

Cook said she has a history of public speaking throughout her high school career, so she felt it was a great way to end her time at Southeast Valley and also to take the opportunity to thank everyone that helped her and her class get to graduation.

- Messenger photo by Kriss Nelson Makayla Anderson helps Ryann Steburg get ready for graduation as Kenley Clough (right) and Keanna Taylor and Clayton Kiefer look on.

“It took a lot for us to get to this point. We have a lot of people to thank,” she said.

Cook shared her gratitude to teachers, parents, coaches and advisors.

“To the teachers, you have went beyond your call of duty,” said Cook, adding that coaches and advisors have also “implemented discipline and sportsmanship.”

Cook also shared her thanks to the custodial staff at the high school.

“You know better than anyone what slobs we are,” she said.

-Messenger photo by Kriss Nelson Kaelan Lunbderg, left and Morgan Nott walk in to graduation at Southeast Valley High School on Sunday afternoon.

After several students were recognized for their scholastic honors and service awards, they were presented with their diplomas.

At the end, special recognition was given to Marine Corps recruit, Collin Nordin.

Nordin is currently stationed at MRCD in San Diego for boot camp, and therefore was unable to attend his graduation ceremonies. Nordin’s sister, Erica Nordin, accepted his diploma on his behalf.

The 88 members of the class of 2017 are the third graduating class to come out of Southeast Valley, and many will agree, it has been a great opportunity to form new friendships.

“We have all come together a lot,” said Cook. “We started together as sophomores, and I have lifelong friends because of the merger.”

Fellow graduate Myles Davis agreed.

“I have a lot of new friends,” he said. “It’s been a good thing.”

Quinea Lawrence spent her first and final year at Southeast Valley.

“I am new to Southeast Valley this year, and I definitely grew a bond with everybody in a short time,” said Lawrence. “I will miss everyone, and it’s been a great experience for me.”

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