25 Graduate From

Whitcomb H.S.

By Mary Anderson

Twenty-five young men and women graduated from Whitcomb High School Saturday, June 14. They were led in by bagpiper Otis Wilson, and the school band, including alumni band members, played "Pomp and Circumstance."

Supt. Tim Mock gave the welcome, saying he was there in place of Principal Andy West who was attending the graduation of his daughter from Rochester High School. Mock noted that he had been elementary principal for eight of the graduates.

Valedictorian Molly Taylor set a small town community tone for the ceremony as she spoke about the effects of living in a town with "no stop lights" and "few stop signs." She spoke about growing up "knowing the bank tellers" and "knowing I’m safe." She talked about the impact of going to a school with just "one single school hallway" where you had "lots of moms."

Taylor emotionally told both her mother and father how much her time with them meant to her and how much she loved each of them. She concluded by thanking the community and reminding her classmates never to forget where they came from.

Salutatorian Emily Wright reminisced about experiences she shared with classmates, going as far back as kindergarten. She noted the impact that many people had had on their lives, including parents, teachers, lunch ladies and janitorial staff.

Wright also spoke of expectations and individuality, noting that while the graduates on stage all looked the same in their caps and gowns, they were in fact all unique individuals.

Graduate Amber Horne sang the song "Good Riddance," accompanied by Susan Rule on guitar and Chris Allen on vocals. As she became overwhelmed with emotion, community support poured forth. Members of the audience sang with her and applauded as Horne completed the song with dignity.

Retiring teacher Donna Stratton addressed the graduates, saying, "live well, laugh often and love much." She reminded them that people would be there to help when life became overwhelming, and encouraged them to take time for family and friends, volunteering, and smelling the roses.

There were more tears and plenty of hugs as 31 different awards were presented. Mock and school board member Joan Wortman presented the diplomas.

Following the recessional, the graduates gathered in a receiving line in front of the stage. As if to demonstrate Taylor’s speech, community members walked down the line stopping to hug and congratulate each new graduate.

Awards

Donna Whitmore Memorial Merit Award: Brittany Washburn, Amber Horne, and Tyler Killian; Ashley Elmore Memorial Award: Deven Hill, Jodi Prucha, and Emily Wright; Edward Allen Russ Memorial Fireman’s Scholarship: Emily Wright, Matthew Durkee, Demi Aldrighetti, Ryan Rogler, Brittany Washburn, and Daniel Ertel; Matthew Robert Reeves Memorial Award, Molly Taylor; Bethel Rotary Club Scholarship, Demi Aldrighetti; and James Richards Scholarship: Ryan Rogler and Daniel Ertel.

Susan B. Isham Scholarship, Demi Aldrighetti; Commander Bruce Guy Scholarship, Laurel Adams; Rev. Will C. Harvey Memorial Scholarship: Daniel Ertel and Demi Aldrighetti; John Huntley Vt. Trappers Assoc. Award: Jeremiah Roberts, Dan Poland, and Evan Abbott; Mr. & Mrs. Harold Dorman Award, Jodi Prucha; Anita M. Shepard Memorial Award, Emily Wright; G.W. Plastics Scholarship, Daniel Ertel; and Vt. Endowment Scholarship, Ryan Rogler.

Charles Phillips Memorial Scholarship, Matthew Durfee; Bethel Area Rotary Club Appreciation Scholarship, Emily Wright; Whitcomb Booster Club Scholarship: Demi Aldrighetti, Matthew Durfee, Brittany Washburn, and Amber Horne; Daughter of the American Revolution Award, Demi Aldrighetti; Bethel Women’s Club Scholarship, Tia McKenna; John Hart Scholarship, Amber Horne; White River Lodge #90 Fred St. Lawrence Memorial Masonic Scholarship, Ryan Rogler; White River Credit Union Scholarship, Tia McKenna; and Frank and Arianna Thayer Scholarship, Jacob Hunt.

Vermont Honor Scholarship, Emily Wright; Michale Johnson Memorial Scholarship, Tia McKenna; Matthew Robert Reeves Memorial Scholarship: Amber Horne and Laurel Adams; Odd Fellows Scholarship, Brittany Washburn; James Cross Scholarship, Tia McKenna; Jean Colver Sofield Scholarship, Jacob Hunt; Ted and Elinor Clifford Scholarship: Demi Aldrighetti, Daniel Ertel, and Jacob Hunt; and the Gilman Award, Brittany Washburn.

Graduates

Evan Abbott, work; Laurel Adams, Norwich University, nursing; Demi Aldrighetti, Norwich University, nursing; Wesley Barrows, work; Sterling James Daniel, work; Matthew Durfee, University of Vermont, business administration & forestry; Daniel Ertel, Vt. Technical College; Caro Gonzalez, International Center in NYC, fashion, jewelry, or interior design; Deven Hill, work and study journalism; Amber Rae Horne, Mount Ida College, fashion merchandizing; and Jacob Hunt, Vt. Technical College, electrical engineering.

William Keck, work, possibly study graphic arts; Melissa Kendall, Community College of Vt., nursing; Kyle Ketner, U.S. Marine Corps; Tyler Killian, furniture crafts; Ryan Litchfield, U.S. Navy; Tia McKenna, Vt. Technical College, dental hygiene and liberal arts; Aneta Merksbauerova, return to the Czech Republic; Daniel Poland, work or Army National Guard, carpentry interest; and Jodi Prucha, work, accounting.

Jeremiah Roberts, work year off and Balsams Culinary School; Ryan Rogler, Castleton State College, criminal justice; Molly Taylor, University of Vt., athletic training; Brittany Washburn, Hessar College, early childhood education; Emily Wright, University of Vt., pre-veterinary, large animal.

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