After four years of overcoming adversity, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of a classmate, seniors at Rainier High School rejoiced as they officially graduated on Friday, June 9.
Family members, friends, classmates and RHS staff packed the school’s gymnasium for the commencement ceremony
Students Amanda Morris, on the flute, and Andrew Garcia, on the bass guitar, then played the national anthem for attendees.
Before the ceremony officially began, a moment of silence was held for Jessie Uch, a RHS senior who died on March 4 in a car accident. Soon-to-be graduate Alisha Adamski described Uch as a beautiful soul who “truly made an impact” on the Class of 2023.
Following the moment of silence, Chase MacFarland and Adamski introduced themselves as the ceremony’s “emcees.”
“For those of you who don’t know us, we’ve been running this place from the get-go,” MacFarland said to some laughter from the audience.
Adamski continued, “We’ve both been here since the beginning. When I found Chase, his nose was running like a trackstar. Some of you may say that was last week, but no, it was kindergarten.”
MacFarland thanked athletic director and senior class adviser Rob Henry for his contributions to the Class of 2023. He also said Henry is the only reason he’s “standing here today,” and that Henry motivated him to do a lot of things he accomplished at Rainier.
“This is my town, it always will be. It’s been an honor growing up here and being involved in the community,” MacFarland said. “We have some amazing teachers and amazing people in general.”
Salutatorian Enix Dale then took to the stage.
“Today is an important day in all of our lives. We gather here today to celebrate and appreciate more than a decade of hard work and learning,” Dale said. “Today could not have come sooner for the Class of 2023 as we’ve endured a lot. My academic journey was nowhere near perfect, but it is a journey about perseverance, hard work and a willingness to learn from my mistakes.”
Dale added that life leads to choices and that some choices last a lifetime. He said he hopes his classmates chose the route to happiness.
Valedictorian Ethan Hamilton thanked the staff and faculty at Rainier High School who supported the students not only at graduation, but every day at school.
“We are all grateful for those who were there to navigate with us,” Hamilton said. “This class has been through many hardships on the road to graduation. When we started freshman year, everyone felt a little nervous. … Just as we all started to believe high school wasn’t as difficult or scary as people made it out to be, our freshman year was interrupted with a quick ‘two week’ break.”
He added the pandemic was a “strange time” with many uncertainties.
“Everyone here pushed through the pandemic and we did our best,” Hamilton said. “The teachers figured out how to keep us engaged during those difficult times.”
He compared the return to in-person classes to first attending RHS as a freshman. Hamilton said life finally began to feel normal again during their senior year, but then the community “suffered the tragic loss” of their classmate Uch.
“But even after such a devastating loss, the people here pushed forward,” he said. “Perseverance is something that we’ve not only found in ourselves, but something we have encouraged and will continue to encourage others to find within themselves. I could not be more proud of my classmates and they should all be truly proud of themselves.”
He encouraged his fellow classmates to “let their light shine.”
Following Hamilton’s comments, MacFarland thanked Adamski for her contributions to the senior class video. The video featured three photos of each graduating senior, which included a baby photo, a photo of the senior as an older child or young teenager, and a graduating photo.
“Alisha has put hours of sweat and tears into this presentation. For some of you, these pictures may be a surprise because Alisha had to go onto your mom’s Facebook page to get them. That’s dedication if I’ve ever seen it,” MacFarland said. “She was truly the leader that made everything possible this year.”
Principal John Beckman said the Class of 2023’s high school career was filled with challenges and took a moment to acknowledge the adversity they overcame.
“As freshmen, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and overnight, your outlook on life is flipped upside down,” Beckman said. “You had to deal with the loss of loved ones, including the tragic loss of your beloved classmate Jessie just a couple of months ago. You’ve been dealt a lot and we’re proud of the resiliency you’ve shown in the face of uncertainty and sadness. I can tell you that watching your resolve has made me appreciate you and my role as your principal even more.”
Beckman said he typically talks about the importance of hard work, being a productive citizen, or pursuing meaningful careers, but he wanted to send the graduating seniors off with a different message.
“While all that is important, for sure, I believe the last couple of years have reminded us what life is truly about, so as you leave here to pursue your future endeavors, I challenge you to take these few words of wisdom to heart,” Beckman said. “First of all, one of the most important and rewarding things in life is the relationships we have with those around us. I urge you to put your cellphones down, look people in the eye and truly get to know them. I feel strong relationships with family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances will provide you with a sense of belonging and a network of people who can help you achieve your goals. Ultimately, great friendships will last a lifetime and bring joy to your life.”
Beckman told the students that time goes by fast, and as they get older, it seems to go by at a faster rate.
“Make sure to live your life to the fullest,” Beckman said. “Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Nothing is guaranteed, so make every moment count, leave no regrets, and try not to sweat the small stuff.”
He reminded the seniors that the world needs people that are adaptable, creative and resilient.
“You’ve already shown that you have these qualities and I have no doubt that you will continue to develop them as you move forward in your lives,” Beckman said. “The future is bright for the graduating Class of 2023 and I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish.”
Following Beckman’s comments, the graduates were introduced one by one to the stage to officially receive their diplomas.
The senior class thanked several individuals for their hard work to make their graduation special. They included Beckman, Henry, Kristin Robinson, Lauren Memmott, Kasey Yanusevich, Katie Bartell, Beth Greenwood, Bryon Bahr, members of the Rainier School Board, and maintenance workers and custodians.
After turning their tassels, the graduates paraded throughout Rainier in vehicles to celebrate the start of their next journey.
