Washtucna graduates three

Family and friends gathered at the Washtucna School to celebrate and honor the success of three local students.

Garrett Correll, Derek McKeen and Kaylee Pavone all received diplomas on June 3 and were officially recognized as the graduating Class of 2017 from Washtucna High School.

Washtucna Superintendent Vance Wing welcomed those in attendance to the ceremony and discussed the importance of education. He recognized the three students for their achievements in high school, and presented each graduate with their awards and scholarships.

McKeen received the Certificate of Honor Roll – Principal Scholar, Certificate of Academic Excellence award, five-year FFA member certificate, Academic Achievement Award in Current World Problems, ASB Treasurer

Achievement Award, FFA Certificate of Amazing, FFA District 9 Agronomy Certificate, FFA Officer award, EWU Certificate for English Composition, 2016-17 Washtucna Athlete of the Year Award, 2017 FFA Excellence Student Award and the US Army Reserves 2016-17 National Scholar/Athlete Award.

McKeen also earned three scholarships: Mary C. Pierce Talent Award for $300, Washtucna Alumni Scholarship for $1,000 and the Washtucna-Benge Communities’ Scholarship Trust Scholarship, awarded over two years, for $4,000.

Correll received Certificate of Honor Roll – Principal Scholar, five-year FFA member certificate, Academic Achievement Award in Current World Problems, ASB President Achievement Award, FFA Certificate of Amazing, FFA Officer award, EWU Certificate for English Composition, Certificate of Achievement in Weight Training, Elmer B. Lee Memorial Friendship Award, and the FFA and Agricultural Education Award.

Correll also earned a handful of scholarships: Ritzville Classic Car Club Scholarship for $1,000, Washington State Grange Marie Snyder Memorial Scholarship for $1,000, United Power Trade Organization scholarship for $2,000 and the Washtucna-Benge Communities’ Scholarship Trust Scholarship for $2,000.

Pavone received Certificate of Honor Roll – Principal Scholar, Certificate of Academic Excellence award, Academic Achievement Award in Current World Problems, Academic Achievement Award for World History, ASB Publicity Chair Achievement Award, EWU Certificate for English Composition and the Washtucna School District Citizenship Award.

During the ceremony, teachers Staci Gloyn and Michael Dorman served as the guest speakers. They spoke of their experience with each of the students as individuals, as well as a class, and offered words of encouragement for their success in the future.

Dorman focused on his hopes for the students, emphasizing and encouraging them to work hard, be accountable and responsible, and always taking the time to help others.

Gloyn voiced her belief of the vast amount of potential within the trio, and their ability to overcome obstacles to continue working towards a better future.

After a slideshow presentation, Jake Sitton and Wing presented the three graduates with their diplomas before announcing them as graduates in front of the crowd gathered to celebrate the students.