The Cooper High School Class of 2018 took their last look around the halls before taking those steps across the stage to the next stage in their lives. Friday night, May 25, 2018 there was 63 students who turned their tassels and received their diplomas as they completed another life milestone.
Third ranking senior of the Class of 2018 Gabriel Rowe gave the opening remarks and welcomed the full audience of supporters. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by the senior band members.
Class of 2018 Salutatorian Haley White gave her address comparing her experiences thus far to a dance.
The Valedictory Address was presented by Mercedes Valdez, top ranking senior.
She recited the poem by Robert Frost – “The Road Not Taken.” Noting how this wasn’t necessarily pertaining to present day students.
“Not only are more students graduating from high school, but also college,” she said. “This poem used to be relevant, but in our time, in the statistics WE have created, it is not. Back in Frost’s day, it was necessary to take the road less traveled by in order to be successful. But in OUR day, we need to start on the same path – the path to graduating high school, going to college, graduating from college or for some going to serve and protect our wonderful country. Be both independent and dependent. …THAT is the real road to success, YOUR road to success.”
Math teacher Marlana Deatherage was stood before the graduates with her own memories. This is one of the life lessons from math class along with “it is the little things that make all the difference.”
Over $1,650,000 in scholarships were presented to make a new record for CHS.