DARRINGTON The Darrington High School senior graduating class was treated to a rendition of Don McLeans famous Miss American Pie song by salutatorian Jordan Grimmer during its June 10 graduation ceremony.
After principal David Homer and a school board member congratulated the class, Grimmer took center stage with his guitar. Grimmer inserted his own words that specifically related to growing up in Darrington and gave the graduates plenty to laugh and smile about. As he wrapped up the song, Grimmer received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd packed into the Darrington Community Center Gymnasium.
Guest speaker Curt Simmons, author of Small Town Heroes, also talked about the uniqueness of growing up in a rural setting. He stated that, As graduates of Darrington High School, you do not need what the world has to offer. But the world needs what you have to offer. I think you will find as you go out in life that you wont encounter anything out there that is any better than what you have here in Darrington.
Following Grimmers song and Simmons speech, valedictorian Jillian Frable spoke about the promise of great things for Darringtons youth. She encouraged her classmates and stated that, I see success in every single one of my fellow graduates. She then quoted the famous expression, Watch your thoughts, they become your words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
After the student speakers, math teacher David Heaton-Bush addressed the graduating class. Heaton-Bush told students to explore their futures as much as possible, not being afraid of change or discovery. He talked about passionately going after what they wanted as individuals and not being deterred by anything life throws in their way.
Five Darrington seniors received scholarship awards including:
Heather Burns, Bel Rea Institute
Jill Frable, WWU Bellingham
Andy Olson, WWU Bellingham
Kristen Sherman, Paul Mitchell Hair Academy
Kristi Turner, Stilly Valley CC, Mount Vernon