Obstacles can be overcome. That was the general pronouncement Tuesday evening at the ninth annual graduation ceremonies for Davis County's Young Parents High School, held at Kaysville Junior High School.
The four student speakers, representing the graduating class of 56 who were all females this year, spoke candidly on the theme "We didn't say it would be easy, we only said it would be worth it."April Maroney expressed many of her feelings with her own poem "Education." Although the poem discussed "teachers and books . . . teachers and books . . ." in a repetitive fashion, the bottom line was a special appreciation for the teachers who helped make her graduation possible.
Brandy Richey, another student speaker, talked about the many obstacles the graduates have overcome to get where they are. She provided several examples that indicate the genuine concern and support the students have shown for each other.
For example, she said that when one student's baby died, the entire student body rallied to provide comfort and support. She said another time many of the students were in Salt Lake City for a party but still found time to visit another student's new baby at one of the hospitals.
A third student speaker, Tresea McNeal, spoke out strongly in favor of taking chances in life.
"No matter how hard things get, you can always get help," she said, praising the support she received from the school's teachers and counselors.
Robyn Evans was another student speaker. Other graduation ceremony speakers included Ray Briscoe from the Davis County School Board and Russ Olson, another Davis County administrator.
The Young Parents School started in 1982 as an outgrowth of Davis Applied Technology Center. It serves all young parents in Davis County, mostly high school-age girls who are pregnant or who have had a baby. This year there were no boys at the school, but boys have attended the school in previous years. There were 66 girls enrolled at the school this past year.
The school has no student officers but does have an active student council.
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Class '91
Location: 264 S. 500 East, Kaysville
Graduation theme: "Whe didn't say it would be easy, we only said it would be worth it."
Number of graduates: 56
Student speakers: Robyn Evans, April Maroney, Tresea McNeal and Brandy Richey.