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South Summit class of 2008 takes center field

Of the Record staff
Jenna Frum, who graduated from South Summit HIgh School with high honors on Friday, could barely contain her excitement as her class marched onto the field for commencement. (Nan Chalat-Noaker/Park Record)
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The bleachers at South Summit High School got a little cold as the evening wore on, but the weather didn’t seem to deter the many people gathered to watch the class of 2008 commencement last Friday.

The evening’s program began with the traditional march of the graduates who made their way to the 50-yard-line where they sat opposite school administrators and teachers and facing the bleachers. Most of the students had to wear sunglasses to keep the setting sun out of their eyes and, probably, to look cool.

Emily Flinders, a graduating student, kicked off the substance of the evening with her remarks on the evening’s theme. Flinders discussed a quotation borrowed from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters as compared to what lies within us." For Flinders, the message was simply that, "We are the ones who decide if we fail or succeed." The key to success, she continued is held by the power within.

The senior drumline punctuated her message with a quick number after her speech that incorporated some of the best of their stylings. All the drumline members got brief solos and showed off their skills with twirls and tosses of the drumsticks.

Melanie Chamberlain, Brad Wilkinson and Randi Larsen slowed the tempo a bit with their version the class review. They walked the entire audience through their experiences with kindergarten and their Utah state centennial T-shirts. "Life is still easier when chocolate milk can fix anything," said Wilkinson. Chamberlain recalled sixth grade when she said, "There’s nothing like dancing with the lights on."

After Katie Wadsworth serenaded the audience with her vocal stylings of Sarah McLachlan’s "I Will Remember You," Cody Lundgren spoke to the accomplishments of his class. The long list of achievements included athletic feats and scholastic awards. "Our hard work and determination won’t end here at graduation," said Lundgren."

The final live musical number of the evening belonged to the senior tapestry which performed a 23-person harmony of "Seize the Day."

Candace Weller delivered the summary of student thoughts as she commented on the decisions that she and her classmates will have to make in their years to follow. "I believe the most important choice is deciding the type of person we want to be," she said.

As Weller finished and the students came within minutes of receiving their diplomas, Superintendent Barry Walker thanked the five employees of the South Summit School District retiring at the end of the year. Dave Aplanalp, Sandy Hayes, Judy Staples, Mary Vaughan and Zane Woolstehulme will all be taking their next steps, said Walker.

Their appreciation expressed, the students received their diplomas and capped the evening off with a rousing rendition oft their school songs before tossing their caps into the crisp evening air.


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