West Jordan High School culminated its 10th anniversary celebration with the graduation of 526 students Thursday.
Senior class officers participated in the ceremony as did four seniors who competed earlier in a speech competition for the opportunity to address the student body.Bryan Fowler challenged his classmates to choose their life vocations carefully. "You could end up spending 1,444 weeks doing things that don't interest you; 7,200 hours solving problems you don't care about; or 57,600 hours associating with people you don't like," Fowler cautioned.
"We are guaranteed greatness if we learn from our mistakes and never give up," Rebecca Babcock said.
Nathan Masters agreed with Babcock's idea of persistence. "Excellence is achieved by trying, learning, and trying again," he said.
Ju Yun Oh reminded students they had searched for excellence as they struggled through some of the kinks of their school.
"We put up with heating and cooling systems, faulty lights, `accidental' fire alarms, administration changes." She continued, "We even survived a war together."
Ju Yun Oh pointed out the school continues its search for excellence. "This year they even put name plaques by the classroom doors so we can finally learn the names of our teachers." She said the students can now begin their own search for excellence.
The class was presented by Principal Sid Beveridge and accepted by Grant L. Pullan, assistant superintendent of schools.
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Jaguars
Graduation theme: "In Search of Excellence"
Graduates: 526
Location: 8136 S. 2700 West
Senior class officers: President, Roger Adams; vice president, Shawn Feurer; secretary, Tony Gold
Valedictorians: Neil Kunz and Alyssa Rose
Student speakers: Bryan Fowler, Rebecca Babcock, Nathan Masters, Ju Yun Oh