Burris, Camblin, Loutensock are co-valedictorians

    Holyoke High School graduated 38 students and awarded one honorary diploma last Sunday, May 12, at the 2019 graduation ceremony, held in the HHS gymnasium.
    Classmates Savannah Burris, Kaylee Camblin and Kyra Loutensock earned 4.0 grade point averages and were named co-valedictorians.
    In her valedictory address, Burris recalled her growth as a student, from struggling in reading and math upon entering Holyoke Junior High to becoming one of the top students in her class. She thanked her teachers, and Andrea Kammer in particular, for pushing her to succeed.
    Burris urged her classmates to maintain the same drive that they demonstrated at HHS going into college and their professional lives. “We’ve learned to work hard because nothing was handed to us,” she said. “Successful people are made from hard work and dedication to what they’re a part of.”
    Camblin celebrated the legacy that the seniors left both academically and as leaders for the younger classes at HHS. She also encouraged her fellow graduates to take a holistic view of success. “Our success is not defined by how much money we make or how much recognition we receive. True success is defined by the joy we create, the message we convey and the lives we impact,” she said.
    Loutensock reminded her classmates to get the most out of their lives while they are young, even as they remain disciplined and strive to make an impact on society. “I urge all of you to try new things in the coming future,” she said. “When we part our ways, please remember the future is full of possibility. There is always going to be hard times, but there will always be something bright waiting just around the corner.”
    Burris was also recognized with the female citizenship award by Susan Roll Walters of the American Legion Auxiliary. Colby Purkeypile received the male citizenship award from Steve Millage of American Legion Post No. 90.
    Holyoke JR/SR High Principal Shane Walkinshaw spoke to the 2019 class before their graduation on how to succeed after high school. “Overcome your fears, embrace and learn from failure, apply maximum effort at all times and nurture a healthy, well-developed sense of self-worth, and you will find happiness and success,” he said.
    Presenting diplomas and scholarships were counselor Angela Powell and school board members Dusty Sprague and Trampas Hutches.
    Juniors Taeryn Trumper and Seth Watson assisted during the ceremony as grand marshals, and Slaten Burris, Josie Herman, Alexis Vega and Shianne Willmon served as ushers.
    In a special ceremony, students presented family, friends, teachers and other benefactors with carnations.
    Music performed Sunday included “Time of Your Life” by senior members of Sound Check and “Ghostbusters” by the HHS band.
    Class president Jillian Hunter recalled some of her favorite memories from HHS and told her classmates to remember their roots. “As you go forth and conquer,” she said, “just know that these country roads will always take you home, to the place we all belong.”
    The Class of 2019 was sent off with John Denver’s “Country Roads” as they marched out.