Perseverance and hope for the future were wished upon Tooele High School’s Class of 2014 as the school sent its newest batch of graduates out into the world.
Senior Class President Brock Egan urged the 317 graduates gathered at the University of Utah Huntsman Center to practice kindness as they ventured into the adult world, noting the loss of some classmates at THS, and to keep friendships strong throughout life.
“Even with the hundreds of us in attendance, every one of us is unique,” he said. “I hope and pray we never say anything that will diminish the worth of another human being, whether in their eyes or in the eyes of another. Life is too precious to waste trying to make ourselves feel like we are better than another. We are all precious and equal.”
Valedictorian Matthew Thompson named several memories he felt defined his high school experience, including the school’s centennial in 2013, the class’ crowning of disabled student Alisha Hollar as prom queen, the school gaining ownership of the T, the death of beloved coach and substitute teacher John Mahler, and the perseverance of English teacher Diane Cramer to return to work after being seriously injured.
“Looking back at all these good times at THS, it’s obvious we’ve come a long way since kindergarten. The best part is, we’re not done,” Thompson said. “In the next 13 years, we’ll undoubtedly make more great memories, and I can’t wait to hear about them at our 20 year reunion.”
Jenica Heaton encouraged graduates to seek out their own happily ever after while choosing heroic traits over villainous ones.
“Sometimes we don’t see the good things about ourselves. We focus on our villainous traits rather than see the heroic ones,” she said. “Shatter that idea that who you are isn’t good enough. As long as you’re trying your best in this life, in reality you are smart enough, talented enough, pretty enough. You can do it if you put your mind to it.
“Every story has an ending, but in life every ending is a new beginning. High school was just a backstory, a time for us to build our backstory and define who we are. Some of us might have played the villain, but we have a chance to change that,” she added.
Salutatorian Lauren Wyatt cited Squints from “The Sandlot,” who schemes to get a kiss from the girl of his dreams who was a lifeguard at the local pool. Though his move got him kicked out of the pool, he eventually married that girl, a success that would not have come without extreme persistence.
That persistence was mirrored in real life by her little sister, she said, who was born amid medical complications. Although her sister, now 10, was not expected to be able to walk or talk, Wyatt said, she now dances and chatters nonstop. Both examples can be applied to the trials and challenges that will come as graduates move forward, she said.
“The amazing achievements of my sister did not come easy,” Wyatt said. “My little sister taught me the power of persistence, whether it’s medically impossible or whether someone tells me I’m not good enough.”
Student Body President Hannah Webber said while graduates were going to be scattered among different life paths, they should not forget their peers with whom they grew up and shared a vital time in their lives.
“Together we grew up,” she said. “When we do depart, a part of each of our hearts will be left behind to remain forever and forever in Tooele.”
In addition to the remarks, Kanion Yadon performed a piano solo, “River Flows in You,” while Webber, accompanied on ukulele by Abraham Hernandez, sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.” Alisha Sanchez also sang “Vienna,” and Egan, Jacob VanDerwerken, Sydney Knight and Brittany Gowans performed an a capella version of “A Day in Spring.”
The Old Miner’s Scholarship, an endowment for the school’s valedictorian and salutatorian since 1981, was given to Thompson and Wyatt. Thompson received $1,800, while Wyatt was given $1,600 in educational aid.
School board president and THS alumna Maresa Manzione, accepting the graduates on behalf of the school district, said she could remember when she wore her own THS cap and gown, and hoped the class would remember the most important things they had learned in school.
“I know you’ve had a great education at Tooele High School,” she said. “I know you won’t remember all the things you learned there and I know you won’t remember all these people, but you will remember the person you became here.”
Members of the school’s 101st class also included collegiate athletes, LDS missionaries and members of the military. The proceedings were accompanied by the Tooele High School Band, directed by Marilyn Syra.