Heading to high school now!

CO-SALUTATORIANS:
Eleanor Ehlert, Spencer Fairgrieve, and Dani Hayward each receive awards from Principal Doug Geren for academic achievements as co-salutatorians.

One day before West Valley High School seniors received their diplomas, graduating eighth-graders from West Cottonwood Junior High held their own commencement by marching into the large gym to mark their completion of elementary school and the start of their freshman year at local high schools. For these students, the graduation ceremony is a large step into the bigger part of life.

"I feel so proud for the students as I hand them their diplomas," says Steve McCarly, one of five trustees for the Cottonwood Union School District. "Their graduating is such a big accomplishment as they continue on to the next level." McCarly has handed out diplomas at six eighth grade graduation ceremonies.

While watching the ceremony, West Cottonwood's principal, Doug Geren, did some reminiscing.

"I also was a graduate of West Cottonwood," Geren said, taking mental note of how time flies by.

As principal, he has the dubious privilege of overseeing the students as they make their way to their seats and then to the podium to receive their diplomas.

"Times have changed," notes Geren.

"When I was at West Cottonwood, we still had a paddle with various names in the principals office," Geren said during his speech to the assemblage of parents, family members and student graduates.

In the many years that have passed, however, Geren noted that disciplinary, academic, and sports matters have all changed dramatically.

"But the energy, and perhaps the anxiety of the students, is all still the same," Geren remarked.

The students then had a chance to hold their heads high as they made their proud march across the stage area to receive a diploma, each knowing that in less than three months they would all be heading back to school as high school students.