Centralia High School presented diplomas to 149 seniors during commencement exercises on Sunday.
The class was led by Valedictorian Caleb Martin who noted in his opening remarks how the class had to learn to be social again after COVID led to two difficult years in their freshman and sophomore years.
“We must recognize that graduation is full of emotion. Joy, sadness, fear, doubt and likely much more. We all will struggle with the fear of the future and the need to fight back against sinking into the comfort of the past.”
School Board President Galen Mahle told the graduates they all overcame in spite of the unexpected challenges they found along the way.
“Effort is the most important thing when overcoming your obstacles and challenges. So I urge you for the rest of your life when you are faced with a challenge ask yourself what do I need to do to overcome in spite of. Congratulations to the Centralia graduating class of 2023.”
William Graham gave the final senior remarks as salutatorian.
“Whichever path you take in this journey after high school. Trust in the Lord and know he will take care of you. I wish you all the best of luck as we move on from CHS. Remember the time you spent here. Regardless of what life brings you remember this. Once an Orphan, always an Orphan. There is always a home for you in Centralia. Congratulations Class of 2023, we made it.”
Principal Dr. Reid Shipley noted during the ceremony that the graduating seniors to date have earned $2.4-million in scholarships.
