Salem’s 144 graduates urged to depend on trust

By BOB JACKSON

news@vindy.com

SALEM

Character, trust, strong relationships and a sense of community were among the themes stressed Sunday during graduation ceremonies for Salem High School’s Class of 2010.

The 144 graduates — boys clad in black caps and gowns, and girls wearing red — gathered for the final time in the high school’s Cabas Gymnasium to hear remarks from their classmates and school officials and then receive diplomas and officially bring down the curtain on their high school careers.

They were the 146th class to graduate from Salem in the school’s history.

During her remarks to classmates, class President Olivia Mitchley said now that their four-year high school experience has ended, the graduates’ paths will lead them away in various directions: some to higher education, some to the military and some into the job market.

“Whichever path you choose, just know that I believe in you, and your families believe in you,” she said.

But more importantly, she said, each individual must believe in himself or herself to achieve their life goals.

Superintendent Tom Bratten told the graduates that being of strong character will serve them well as they move forward in life.