Sunday, May 17, 2015

Madison Cassavaugh and Alysa Lyle Receive Honors; Worth County Graduates 23

Madison Cassavaugh was named Valedictorian and Alysa Lyle Salutatorian at the Worth County Graduation Ceremonies Sunday afternoon. "We've all made mistakes, but we came a long way and we finally made it," said Class President Josh Warner.

State Representative Allen Andrews, whose son Luke graduated, spoke to the seniors. He said that it was a surreal moment for him, since he had graduated from Worth County in 1985. He noted that he was named "Class Clown" by his classmates and that he didn't remember who had spoken at his graduation.

Andrews said that one of the favorite sayings of his grandparents was, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." He said that he spent all of his formative years trying to figure out what it meant, and then it dawned on him -- "No matter what has happened to you, you can always make a fresh start," he said. He challenged the students to "embrace life to the fullest" and "never stop growing." He quoted Senator Roy Blunt, who told him, "We're better off than we've been, but not less than we can be." Andrews said that sometimes, dreams don't always turn out, but that the students can still live abundant lives.

He said that the country was based on God and built on the fabric of flag, families, and country; on this foundation, the country became the greatest the world has ever known. "It's yours to shape and create a positive future," he told the students. He noted that the students will each meet around 10,000 people throughout their lifetime. He said that if they each touched the lives of 10 people, it would create a chain reaction that would affect the whole country in seven generations.

Mr. Andrews said that his parents had a sign on their motor home that said, "It's nice to be important; it's more important to be nice." He said that life would come with difficulties that would be painful and "test you to the core." But he said that the students should not be afraid of obstacles, noting that Michael Jordan was cut from a basketball team and Walt Disney was once fired for what the boss said was a lack of creativity.

Ms. Cassavaugh, the valedictorian, spoke nest, encouraging her classmates to find their passions and pursue them to their entirety. "We're all completely ready to face challenges," she said. Ms. Lyle, a big Dr. Seuss fan, wore Dr. Seuss art on her graduation hat and read his classic "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" An ensemble consisting of Jacy Gabriel, Alysa Lyle, Dora Martz, Kristen Ross, Merrideth Spiers, and Sydney Thummel sang, "You Are the New Day."

Graduating from Worth County were Deavin Allen, Luke Andrews, Ally Buffington, Austin Carlson, Zach Carr, Madison Cassavaugh, Taylor Causey, Kaitlyn Davidson, Jacy Gabriel, Gavin Hawk, Riley Jones, Alysa Lyle, Malori Moellenberndt, Dallas Monticue, Jared Simmons, J.C. Stephenson, Colton Straight, Shelby Thomas, Sydney Thummel, Lyle Ueligger, Josh Warner, and J.T. Welch. Graduating with honors were Deavin Allen, Austin Carlson, Taylor Causey, Kaitlyn Davidson, and Shelby Thomas. Those graduating with highest honors were Ally Buffington, Madison Cassavaugh, Alysa Lyle, Sydney Thummel, and Josh Warner.

Senior class officers were Josh Warner (President), Gavin Hawk (Vice-President), Taylor Causey (Secretary), Austin Carlson (Treasurer), Madison Cassavaugh (Student Council Representative), and Jared Simmons (Student Council Representative). The class motto was, "Success is reaching the point in life where you can do what you want." The class colors were lavender and pearl. The class flower was the lavender rose. The class song was "I Lived."

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