Colfax class of 2013 celebrates with commencement ceremony

COLFAX – For the second year in a row, 53 students from Colfax High School walked through the gym for the final time as a student as they participated in their graduation ceremony.

After Lachlan Hinwood gave the Welcome to classmates and their friends and family, the high school band under the direction of Jim Woodford, played music from “The Lion King” which was only appropriate as the Class Motto was “Hakuna Matata, Means No Worries” from the same movie and play. Valedictorian Ellie Verdon and Salutatorian Kenna Brecker, friends since grade school, chose to address the crowd together and both stated what a wonderful opportunity they had to be able to attend a small school.

“Although 13 may be an unlucky number to some, the class of 2013 has been very lucky,” they said. “Almost everyone in this class has been involved in several activities, and being in a small school allows that to happen. That’s what we will remember, the things we did in and out of the classroom.”

Carrie Christensen directed the high school choir in “Breaking Free” with a large group of graduates singing for the final time for the school. District Administrator Bill Yingst addressed the diverse class and gave them very sound advice including: Find your passion, it’s O.K. to fail because failure may lead to better opportunities, be creative, follow your heart and do something you love and work hard and always keep learning. He concluded with just one quote, coming from General George Patton who said, “Do more than what is required of you”.

School board members Christie Hill and Ken Neuburg, presented diplomas along with principal John Dachel and Brittany Rothbauer gave the final farewell to the class.