Southridge grads urged to continue their fearlessness

Southridge High School’s Class of 2013 just couldn’t resist one last chant of “Southridge power” as about 325 graduates strode into commencement, some clasping hands, others arm in arm.

They were accompanied by the cheers, claps and camera flashes of family and friends who crowded into the bleachers Saturday night at the Toyota Center.

Valedictorian Sarah Morgan recalled how most of them had spent 716 days and 4,654 hours at Southridge during the last four years.

Kendra Morrey, valedictorian and ASB treasurer, encouraged everyone to make the small “lollipop” moments count.

“This moment is something we earned for ourselves,” said Katharine Wimett, salutatorian and ASB secretary. “Today is the culmination of our hard work, and at the end of this ceremony, we will earn our diplomas, together.”

And ASB president Emma Sanders thanked everyone for making Southridge a “compassionate, fun, loving and giving” environment.

Valedictorian Andrew Nett challenged his fellow classmates to make a goal of beating the graduates sitting on either side in the next game of post-high school.

English teacher Nicole Haueter encouraged the class of 2013 to be as fearless in the future as they have been during the last four years, in all of its meanings, from “spunky, sassy or cheeky” to “undaunted, brave, courageous.”

This story was originally published June 1, 2013 at 7:37 PM with the headline "Southridge grads urged to continue their fearlessness."