Five grads earn Lantern Cup in Pendleton
Pendleton’s commencement exercises started with an update of the state championship softball game, which the Buckaroos won Saturday.
The team’s three seniors — Jory Spencer, Courtney Schumacher-Sweek, and Kristen Crawford — received their diplomas at the Oregon State University softball complex in Corvallis after the game.
Their 193 classmates convened in the Pendleton Convention Center to reminisce on the past 12 years and look to the future of their class.
“Don’t stay in one place or take steps backward just because it’s comfortable,” said Veronica Medina, one of three class speakers.
During the ceremony, five students were also presented with the Lantern Cup. The school’s ceremony this year marks the 91st year the award has been bestowed upon students.
“Lantern Cups have been presented to students who, in the opinion of the Pendleton High School faculty, have shown significant personal development, have maintained a high standard of scholarship and contributed in a marked way to the success of their class,” said Principal Tom Lovell.
Codi Briscoe, Jacob Hales, Ryan Montgomery, Tasha Sitz and Ethan Johnson all received Lantern Cups at this year’s graduation ceremony.
Lovell said 87 seniors earned 265 scholarships this year.
Another class speaker, Tasha Sitz, said education is like brushing one’s teeth.
“You can go through the motions without actually accomplishing anything,” Sitz said.
But, Sitz is confident the class of 2012 is prepared for whatever course its members choose, whether it’s college, technical school or going straight into the workforce.
“We have all overcome significant challenges already,” Sitz said. “Congratulations class of 2012 and always remember to brush your teeth.”
This article originally appeared in the June 3, 2012, edition of the East Oregonian and was written by reporter Anna Willard with photo by Anna Willard. It has been posted to this web site with permission from the East Oregonian.