By Sheri Waldrop
As the cold mist cleared, excited family and friends filled the stands as they waited for waving graduates to march into the stadium for the 117th Sapulpa High School Commencement.
The emotional night began with Maggie Lawson singing the National Anthem one last time for her classmates.
Sapulpa High School 2016 Alumnae Raini and Autumn Deeringwater shared a video message of encouragement for the 2023 graduating class. They told graduates they are exactly where they are supposed to be. They are the writers of their own story and they should work hard, take every opportunity that comes before them and to dream big.
Superintendent Robert Armstrong recognized Madisyn Green for the years she brought love to the High School with her crocheted hearts she shared each February. He told the graduates to reflect on the power of kindness and it’s impact on others. Green’s kindness over the past four years has impacted him and others. She has demonstrated kindness in every aspect of her life. That her humility, warmth, generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her and to make the world a better place. He said kindness has a ripple effect that inspires others and to remember the power of one kind act.
“It doesn’t have to be a ‘grand gesture’ and have ‘heart’ is crucial in life, to be passionate and caring for others. They have an opportunity before them to do more for our community and the world than any other graduating class before them. To choose to be an optimist.”
As a special gift each graduating senior received one last crocheted heart along with their diploma.
Grace Givens said during her Valedictorian speech “We’ve dreamt of this moment our entire lives because the only thing we ever yearned to do was grow up. Throughout the years, we have had countless laughs and several amazing moments together between the walls of our classrooms since 2009. We have worked to be smarter, stronger, taller, and older. Old enough to drive on that warm summer afternoon with the windows down and our friends singing at the top of their lungs in the back seat. Old enough to stand in line at our local church to vote in the upcoming election. Old enough to go to college or start our careers. Old enough to do all of these wonderful things, but soon too old to be right here at Sapulpa High School. Too old to walk these halls with our closest friends. Too old to visit with our favorite teachers between classes. Too old to play one more game or play in one more concert. Too old to stand on the front row and cheer in the student section at every game we could. But all we wanted to do was grow up.”
“As I close,” she said “I want to leave you with a few pieces of advice. Always choose to be the good and see the good. As Mrs. Hernandez always says, never say “I can’t”. Cherish each and every moment that is given to you. Celebrate all of your successes, no matter how big or small they might be. Appreciate those who pour into you, like Coach Debra Williams has me. Remember the importance of service to others. Hug your friends tight and often and remember you can always make a difference in the world. Congratulations, Class of 2023! There are great things in store for you and I am so proud of you all. Together we are, Forever and always, Chieftain Strong.”
Following graduation, Givens said “I was so blessed to have this amazing opportunity to speak to my fellow 2023 graduates. This opportunity meant the world to me, getting to end my high school career speaking to my fellow classmates that I have gotten to know and grow with over the last 4 years is truly a moment I will never forget. I’m so proud of my class and all of the incredible things we have and will accomplish!”
And with a movement of tassels and a toss of their caps, fireworks lit up the night, and family members rushed onto the field to hug their graduate and record the memory forever.
The 2023 Salutatorians are: Anysa Andy, Ava Arthurs, Hunter Cornejo, Allyson Fielden, Holly Haslam, Xander Konell, Ashlynn Mathena, Sara Pagan, Damien Rhoades, and Lily Vance McGarvey.
The 2023 Valedictorians are: Jaidyn Adams, Riley Barr, Grace Givens, Riley Groves, Henry Haslam, Joshua Hobbs, Farrah Meade, Aziah Perez, Jayden Williams, and Francia Zlata.
Local Scholarship Winners recognized during the Awards Ceremony include:
- The William S. Allen Scholarhip – Lily Vance McGarvey
- Blake Bingman Scholarship – Trenton Whittaker
- Elaine Coffey Memorial Scholarship – Paola Chavez & Allison Schmit
- Elaine Coffey Family Memorial Scholarship – Joyce Stoneking and Bailey Moore
- Miranda Brooke Memorial Scholarship – Mirka Rodriguez
- Creek County Retired Educators Scholarship – Riley Groves
- The Kay Jackson Memorial Scholarship – Bailey Moore
- Mose Cahwee Johnson O-Malley Scholarship – Drake Graham and Aziah Perez
- Booker T. Washington Alumni Club Scholarship – Cameran Mackey
- Tom and Catherine Ritchie Scholarship – Kiley Sontag
- The Pamela H. Berry Memorial Scholarship – Riley Barr
- Kiwanis Scholarship – Grace Givens, Henry Haslam, Allison Schmidt and Jayden Williams
- Lions Club Scholarship – Trenton Whittaker, Emily Shelden, and Alexandra Torrones
- Sapulpa Community Scholarship – Lily Vance McGarvey, Sara Pagan and Hunter Cornejo
- United Sapulpa Educator’s Scholarship – Ava Sweat, Jayden Williams, and Joyce Stoneking
- Bradon Playford Scholarship – Xander Konell
- Sapulpa Police Memorial Scholarship – Alexandra Torrones and Landry Edmonson
- Jeb Stuart Carver Memorial Scholarship – Paola Chavez
- Shelby Austin Scholarship – Alexandra Torrones, Grace Givens, and Landry Edmonson
- Sapulpa Rotary Club Scholarship – Hunter Cornejo and Hiley Birdwhistle
- T. Hobart Wilson Memorial Scholarship – Jebidiah Moss and Xander Konell
- The Lola Wilson Memorial Scholarship – Aziah Perez and Kiley Sontag
- Julia Brooke Osborn Visual Arts Scholarship – Morgan Benson
- JD Fletcher Family Scholarship – Grace Givens
- Sapulpa Elks Lodge #1118 P.E.R. Scholarship – Hailey Birdwhistle, Xander Konell, and Riley Groves
- Joyce E. Applegate Nursing Scholarship – Allison Schmidt
- Belinda McCormick – Sara Pagan and Riley Groves
- Bartlett – OSU IT Joshua Ogunseye and John Snell; OSU Hannah Hurt & Perri Link; OU Braden Pavey and Ashlynn Mathena; TU Riley Groves and Jayden Williams
- Outstanding Male and Female – Riley Groves and Sara Pagan
- Outstanding Maie and Female Athlete – Stalilee Heard and Roman (Tre) Morrow
- Good Samaritan Award – Alethea McCarthy
