Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
19 Tigers part of Class of 2023
Odessa's 19 graduates toss their caps into the air to conclude the commencement ceremony Saturday, June 10.
Odessa salutatorian Ashlyn Neilsen gives a speech during graduation Saturday, June 10.
Zane Rosman shakes hands with school board chairman Ed Deife after receiving his diploma at graduation Saturday, June 10.
Eric McKinney (left) and Alberto Reyes Jr. (right) walk down the center aisle during the graduation processional Saturday, June 10.
ODESSA - Tiger white, orange and black filled the High School Gym as the 19-member Class of 2023 was celebrated with a late morning graduation ceremony Saturday, June 10.
Graduates entered through the back doors and proceeded down the center aisle in pairs and trios for the opening ceremony before the National Anthem to begin the festivities.
Principal Jamie Nelson offered a welcome to the attendees, then announced Citizenship Awards for two students "symbolizing outstanding effort and good character." Yvette DeVore and Gage Starkel were the recipients.
Nelson then offered her thoughts on this year's Class.
"Each of the last eight years, I've had a clear message. Something that makes a class stand out," Nelson said. "But this year I struggle to think of just one focus, because when I think of this class, I think fun. Teachers have commented how you jump into activities...you are athletically gifted and academically hard-working."
Nelson noted that all 19 graduates are taking a different post-secondary path, some going as far as Spain, Vermont or Hawaii and others joining the workforce locally.
Salutatorian Ashlyn Neilsen thanked her parents, teachers and mentors during her speech. She then addressed her classmates.
"To my best friends, as you walk across this stage, take a moment and enjoy it," Neilsen said.
Class speaker and valedictorian Grace Nelson thanked the Odessa community and school staff for welcoming her when she arrived at the school in elementary school.
"One of the best decisions my parents ever made was moving me here nine years ago," Nelson said.
School counselor Kimberly Ryan presented Kaytlyn Shafer with a recognition for donating over 200 hours of community service during high school.
Ryan also announced scholarship and grant recipients. They include:
Zane Rosman, $3,250
Yvette DeVore, $75,518
Trenidee Zyph, $39,000
Laela Hardung, $32,700
Kaytlyn Shafer, $69,798
Justin Zagelow, $2,000
Grace Nelson, $2,760
Gage Starkel, $19,079.71
Collin Martin, $3,500
Austin Iverson, $600
Ashlyn Neilsen, $38,000
Graduates then watched a video detailing their school careers and individual childhoods as the lights dimmed. The 19 then took roses and walked throughout the gym to present the flowers to loved ones and those they wanted to recognize, with many getting emotional during the proceeding.
Superintendent Rob Clark presented the Class, and the graduates received their diplomas. With a loud cheer and standing ovation from the crowd, the crowds tossed their caps into the air and recessed out of the gym to continue their individual graduation celebrations.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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