Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

GC grads each leave their own impressions

With entertaining speakers, a good group of seniors and a sizeable crowd, I felt this year's Grand Canyon High School graduation topped others in recent years.

Former teacher and incoming principal Richard Dodson had a nice speech, working in personal accounts he had over the years with some of the graduates.

But my favorite speech was by Brian Hays, who had a colorful valedictorian address. Hays went on a hike into the Canyon and compared comical observations to lessons in life.

I had the opportunity to get to know some of the grads. Here are a few comments on those who made an impression on me personally:

o Katie Clayton — When thinking about Katie, I'll probably remember her athletic skills the most. She was a tough competitor who would not back down from anyone, whether it be soccer or basketball. She was a very worthy recipient of her athletic awards over the years.

o Jose Diaz-Gonzalez — Again, I got to know Jose mainly through sports. He played everything from his freshman year on. Jose has always been very polite, stopping to say hi to me when we would pass in the hallway. Great kid.

o Brian Hays — When thinking of Brian, academics immediately come to mind. A very intelligent person, I would always try to make sure I didn't mix him up the other Hays that would be in the newspaper.

o John Hender — I've always had a fondness for John in athletics, because he reminds me of myself at that age — great competitor with a little bit of a temper. He's one of those athletes who would get entrenched in the goal of winning.

o Erin Northup — Another one of my favorite kids, Erin obviously has some great things ahead of her in life. On more than one occasion, including just last week, I've mixed her up with sister Amy in the newspaper. Sorry if I contributed to any sibling rivalry. Maybe I'll call Amy by her sister's name a few times in the next few years to even things out. Just kidding.

o Kristin Olsen — The basketball jumpshot and her aggressiveness on the soccer field stand out for me when it comes to Kristin. She was also aggressive when it came to the yearbook and most everyone agrees she did a fine job with that publication.

o Erin Wahler — Erin's another favorite. I got to know her better when she left for Spain. I did an interview with her through e-mail and then another story when she returned. What I will remember most about Erin is her straightforwardness. When doing interviews, some subjects will give politically correct answers or dodge the tough ones. Not Erin. She tells it like it is and that's admirable.

There are, of course, many other kids in the Class of 2001, but I didn't know the others as well. I'm sure each of them have their own strengths.

I'd like to see where these kids end up in life. It would be fun to look them up in 20 years to see what strides they've made.

My own graduation 17 years ago was an emotional event in my life. And it always chokes me up a little to cover these ceremonies, especially when the senior heads over to their parents for a big hug or handshake.

By the way, whoever decides how long these graduation ceremonies should be, thanks. I've been to other graduations, including one of my own, that seemed to never end. Last week's Grand Canyon ceremony was about the perfect length. And we even have a few more components to the ceremony than in the past.

(Brad Fuqua is editor of the Grand Canyon News).


Donate Report a Typo Contact