BY Tristan Head
Showing up pays dividends. Far too many individuals don’t show up when it comes down to it, yet Wood River High School’s class of 2023 shows up.
COVID arrived with a ring from Blaine County School District declaring spring break would be extended by two weeks. The pandemic expanded into the 2020-21 school year, providing a hybrid schedule allowing for a two-day school week. Instead of removing the remainder of obligations to play, a hefty percentage took the mature path to support their family. They showed up to who matters, when it matters.
Principal Julia Grafft opened graduation night emphasizing the tremendous achievements the class represents: 44% of the class will be the first generation to obtain education beyond high school; 44% of the graduating class had a 3.5 GPA or higher; over $200,000 was awarded in local scholarships; 55 individuals graduated with the seal of biliteracy (52 in Spanish and, for the first time ever, three in French), 35 graduated from the Dual Immersion program; mountain bike, women’s hockey, and tennis won state championships; men’s hockey won the Chipotle 1A Youth Tier 2 18U National Championship; Colla Voce received the highest rating at the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival; with dozens of other recipients in state performances for drama and independent activities. Anay Gil-Salinas conveyed that these results require “companionship found in clubs, classes, and sports” that began as “small moments that you’ll remember.” This group of seniors showed up to support and encourage one another while finding success in whatever path they chose.
While Doug Stouffer, staff speaker, admitted this group of students received a “stamp of approval in his own head… because they provided a 180-degree turn,” rejuvenating his passion for teaching, he still felt they needed a challenge. He requested the class of ’23 “…make a positive contribution” to the community they raise a family in. While individuals like Brandon Corona can be seen changing your oil at Ford or maybe Hannah Clark made you a fresh cup of joe at The Coffee House or it was Mando Valerio who made your coffee while you grocery shopped at Albertsons, with Oscar Cisneros or Christian Hernandez serving you at the deli, or maybe Kim Benjamin or Anay Gil-Salinas baked the cake for your child’s birthday, or maybe it was a brief, late-night encounter with Omar Perez Garcia and Brian Madrigal stocking the shelves before checking out with Zack Nordstrom. Wherever you go, they are present. Through small or wide-ranging conversations, brief or extensive interactions, this group leaves an impact on the individuals they encounter. Now, they will take their impressions elsewhere.
They will continue to be present while they journey into apprenticeships as electricians, plumbers, or pursue culinary and cosmetology — shoutout to “Getting’ Faded with Eric Chavez Villa and Rolando Diaz Chavez.” Others may take longer to receive their advanced degrees in education, Rabbit Buxton, Alexia Reyes, and Jamie Jordan, who will educate youth; hopefully for the community they return to this Valley. Brooke Black may expand the family construction business with a degree in architecture, expanding the foundation of our beloved Valley.
Each individual participates in the construction of their future. Hopefully several members of this graduating class will find themselves returning to the Valley to strengthen its identity. Ms. Grafft emphasized the group’s ability to “advocate for marginalized communities,” whether local, domestic, or international, because they choose to include everyone in the conversations dictating the future rather than electing to exclude individuals. Thankfully, Melanie Gonzalez-Meza’s inspiration can be found within the conflict conveyed through recent bills. She seeks to create a sanctuary for people searching for opportunity by defending them as an immigration lawyer.
Thankfully, Adan and Bryan Hernandez and Oscar Cisneros possess the bravery required to join the fire department. Thankfully, Beckam Settle, Micah Shupe and Gunnar Kimball volunteer themselves to go wherever the United States military deems necessary to protect the liberties of citizens of the United States.
Dolores Huerta said, “…more important to teach that other people besides themselves are important and that the best thing they can do with their lives is to use them in the service of other people.” The Class of 2023 adopted this phrase, wholeheartedly emphasized through Ms. Grafft’s words, “…who have inspired me and staff in ways they will never know.” This class acknowledges the sacrifices of those who came before them, which is reiterated through Ms. Gil-Salinas’s statement about “parents who gave up their dreams to give us a better future.” What she does not recognize is that she and her peers fulfill her parents’ dreams; these individuals actively create a better world by conveying the message that everyone matters.
In the end, this graduating class took selflessness to a whole other level. In the words of the high school librarian, Kari Haugen, “They have the worst senior prank ever — they won’t stop showing up.”