A fish’s wisdom and the strength to overcome failure were at the center of advice for the sixth graduating class of Stansbury High School Thursday at the University of Utah Huntsman Center.
The motto of Dori, the forgetful but optimistic sidekick in “Finding Nemo,” to “just keep swimming” was mentioned several times as the 361-member class, which had the highs of winning two state championships and the lows of losing two classmates, met one last time.
“Through swimming, we move past our problems,” said student speaker Alajandro Lucero. “We’ve had our trials and tribulations. We’ve made friends and lost friends. We’ve made grades and gotten grades that make us think the teacher’s plotting against us. But we made it. We’re here.”
Lucero noted the uncertainty awaiting the graduates in whatever paths they pursue.
“Sure, some of us have jobs, but other than that, we haven’t had much real-life experience. We haven’t had to worry about rent, buying our own food or, worst of all, buying our own data plan,” he said. “All of our elders have gone through the exact same thing we’re doing. None of them knew what they were doing when they graduated, but look at them now. They raised an entire class of graduates. I think that’s pretty good.”
Salutatorian Jacob Blomquist spoke on the role of personal effort and determination in achieving success.
“You are going to get nothing in life if you don’t go for it. If you want it, you have to go and get it,” he said. “Not only must you be able to put forth effort, you must also be able to overcome failure.”
Although history now regards figures like Abraham Lincoln and Steve Jobs, the late founder of Apple, as being successful, Blomquist noted their initial, and sometimes repeated, failures before making their mark.
“These people aren’t remembered for their failures, they are recognized for their success,” he said. “Unlike most people, content to work in menial jobs, they strove to become great. They came to realize that goals aren’t something to achieve; they are something to become.”
Valedictorian Tanner Barton said when working towards a goal, graduates should not get discouraged if one plan does not pan out immediately.
“If things don’t work out as we initially planned, we just need to remember that we’ll find another way; we just need to trust that we’ll find it on the way,” he said.
Barton urged graduates to have enough confidence to rely on themselves, and to not second-guess decisions.
“We sometimes stress about the big decisions we make at this age, such as where to go to college, whether to go on a mission, if the armed forces is a good choice for you,” he said. “It’s important to be confident in your choices and embrace them when they’re made. When you make a choice, you’re essentially betting on yourself. You’re saying you can conquer whatever challenge comes your way.”
Principal Kendall Topham, who has stood at the helm of the school through its first six years and will move to Blue Peak High School next fall as vice principal, praised the seniors and school as a whole for their optimism and resilience — traits that would serve them well throughout life.
Topham congratulated the drama and softball teams for their back-to-back state championships, and recognized students and school scholarship coordinator Pam Keller for amassing a new school record of more than $2.4 million in scholarships.
“My advice to you today is short, simple and to the point: Approach life with enthusiasm, overcome failure and have a positive attitude,” he said. “As Stallions at SHS, you have shown on many occasions that failure is not in your vocabulary. Do not ever be content with it. Set your goals high, be realistic, always strive for success. I encourage you to pursue your goals and dreams with the right attitude.”
Topham also held a moment of silence to note the loss of students Matthew McConnell, who died in February of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and Jesse Horowitz, who was killed in a fight in April. Both McConnell and Horowitz were on-track to graduate with their class when they died.
Tooele County School Board member Carol Jensen said that while the class had seen challenges and sorrow, they had also learned important lessons along the way.
“As has been mentioned here tonight, just keep swimming,” she said. “You’ve been well-taught tonight, and you’ve been well-taught over the past four years, and that’s been clear from how you’ve presented yourself and the speeches that have been made tonight.”
Jensen encouraged graduates to seek out people who would be a positive influence in their lives, to help them succeed and soften the inevitable blows of life.
“We hope that you do find people who do like you, and that you surround yourself with people who like them,” she said.
In addition to the speeches, musical numbers were provided by the senior ensemble, singing a version of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” and Logan McBride, who performed “This is the Moment.” The Stansbury High School concert band also performed prelude, processional and recessional music.
In addition, Topham presented Barton and Blomquist with scholarships for $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. Two $500 scholarships recognizing seniors who displayed the most school spirit were presented to Taylor Graves and Bailey Wilson.
lchristensen@tooeletranscript.com