South Range class boasts 8 valedictorians

By jeanne starmack

starmack@vindy.com

north lima

Before the mortar boards flew in the gymnasium at South Range High School Saturday evening, many choice words were said.

With no fewer than eight valedictorians, the salutatorian and a proud superintendent and high-school principal, there was no shortage of reminiscences about the years spent at South Range or of advice for the future.

The first class to graduate from the new K-12 complex on state Route 46 counted 109 students.

They were moving on, some to college, some to the work force, some to the military, and some, with no idea yet of where they’re going, speakers said.

But wherever they end up, they should remember where they came from, live life in the moment and face down challenges to become what they want to be, the speakers said.

“You will now learn to be a person who will change not just this community, but the world,” said the Rev. Ralph Edwards, pastor of Good Hope Lutheran Church, who gave the baccalaureate address.

“Take in this gift of today, realize how far you have come, and get ready for your next adventure,” he said.

Valedictorian Brooke Fusco likened the school years to “building blocks.”

“Our last 18 years have become the building blocks for the rest of our lives,” she said.

From valedictorian Kelli Johnston, the message was all about living a full life.

“The life we live is short, and we should do everything in our power to experience every second of it,” she said.

“My best advice — do what you love, and don’t allow anyone to ever question it,” she said.

Floyd Kenney, the third valedictorian to speak, gave a short speech about moving on.

“Most of us are heading off in different directions and it’s sad,” he said. “But now we’ll create new relationships with new people.”

Valedictorian Nathan Lotze quoted “the great Ferris Bueller” from the movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

“Life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you might miss it,” he quoted.

Valedictorian Emily Meals said the class members are united but celebrate their differences.

She talked about special talents of classmates, including Cody Nicole Miller, whose artwork will be “worth millions someday; Chelsea Wilson, whose “joy is contagious,” and Emily Deiger, “who owes me dinner when she becomes a famous chef.”

Valedictorian Katelin Smith talked about aiming for the moon.

“[President] Kennedy’s goal for the space program was big, but so was his desire to achieve it,” she said, adding that seven years after that goal got under way, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

“We can choose to go to the moon,” she said.

Valedictorian Ellen Stoffer said the way the class responds to challenges “will determine our future.”

“Be concerned with only the things we can control,” she said.

Valedictorian Allyn Walkama told her classmates, “Trust your inner voice.”

“It doesn’t matter what others think — you can’t let others’ opinions bring you down,” she said.

Salutatorian Marie Stephenson said success comes from doing “the things we love.”

“Do what you like, like what you do, and enjoy living,” she said.

Superintendent Dennis Dunham called the Class of 2011 “an exceptional class with many accomplishments.”

“Do nothing but fight” against bumps in the road and obstacles, said high-school Principal Stephen Rohan.

Accepting $1,000 Beaver Ruritan scholarships were Brooke Fusco, Katie Stanwood, Ellen Stoffer and Aaron Wehr.

Accepting $2,000 Greenford Ruritan scholarships were Allyn Walkama, Emmalee Wince, Stephanie Slattery and Savannah Taylor.