MANCOS – The Mancos High School senior class paved its own path, even when there wasn’t one that previously existed.
Thirty-nine Bluejays, donning their school colors and many decorating their caps, received their diplomas and the encouragement of hundreds of family, friends and educators on Sunday afternoon.
Secondary educator Adyan Farrar, a part of the Mancos staff for two decades and the students’ English teacher during their freshmen and sophomore years, gave the commencement speech.
Invoking Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” Farrar commended each student’s upcoming journey, whether it’s the workforce, trade school or college.
“Our ups and downs are what connect us to all other human beings,” Farrar said. “It takes courage for us to ride the roller coaster of life.”
Valedictorian Mandi Peacock shared her message of recognizing the opportunity for each graduate to make changes to their world.
“Let’s protect those dearest to us, be full of love for those around, and be brave enough to stand up for what is right,” she said.
Peacock commended the educators for their efforts to instill important values in the students, reminding her classmates of the skills and capacity given to them as they go out into the world.
Salutatorian Samantha Simmons reflected on a question that had been resonating with her on the eve of her departure for college.
“What kind of stories do you want to remember 20 years from now?” she asked.
For Simmons, it’s about “saying yes” to all the opportunities that sit in front of the graduates, allowing those experiences to “shape the kind of people we want to be.”
Peacock and fellow graduate Akima Kane compiled an emotional tribute slideshow for the seniors, showcasing photos from their earliest years together as classmates, as well as posting pictures from infancy up through their senior year.
Achievements in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities followed the Bluejays throughout their entire careers.
Upon receiving diplomas each Bluejay took the opportunity to thank the countless influences that guided their path toward graduation.
The senior class made influential contributions in the school’s first ever state football title this past fall, state tournament appearances in volleyball and girls basketball, and league titles in wrestling, boys basketball, and girls track and field.
“Never let this community leave you, and listen to your heart when you decide on the path that you’re wanting to take,” Mancos principal Ed Whritner told the seniors.
