Graduation 2014, Delta: 'I am honored and terrified to give this speech'

For the 65 graduating seniors at Richland’s Delta High School, it doesn’t get any better than making it to graduation day.

Three seniors gave speeches that touched on everything from the good old days of youth, the challenges of life and the apprehension and excitement of what the future holds.

“I am honored and terrified to give this speech to you,” said Lisa Bratton. “I’m more comfortable in a swimsuit and cap.”

Bratton is a champion swimmer who plans to earn a degree in engineering after she tries out for the U.S. Olympic swim team next year.

She spoke of the challenges that lie ahead for she and her classmates but that they should never shy away from a challenge.

Annabeth Guzman plans to attend Gonzaga University with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner.

“How can we forget ‘the look’ that Mrs. Tate would always give,” she said. “And how Mrs. Estes would always answer a question with a question. Our teachers pushed us to learn and taught us that failure is essential to learning.”

Isaiah Torres admitted he never liked learning until he got to high school.

“I was bullied in middle school,” he said. “But when I got to high school I learned that the strength of friendship can get you through a lot, especially after my mom died.”

Favorite teacher Sarah Pack gave an emotional speech to the graduates she’d known since ninth grade, encouraging them to savor the moments and find the beauty in a bleak world.

“Most importantly, be excellent to yourselves,” she said with a smirk. “And stay sober.”

This story was originally published June 7, 2014 at 9:19 PM with the headline "Graduation 2014, Delta: 'I am honored and terrified to give this speech'."