Hilldale graduates thank those who helped along their journey

Cathy Spaulding, Muskogee Phoenix, Okla.
·2 min read

May 22—The mortarboard Giovanna Berganza wore Monday at Hilldale High School's commencement had a message for her mother.

"Todo por ti. Gracias Mama, lo logre," which is Spanish for "All for you. Thank you Mama. I made it."

The 109 members of Hilldale's Class of 2024 had many ways to thank their parents, and to thank others who help them on their way through school.

Berganza said her flower-bedecked message was dedicated to her mother.

"She was my number one supporter and I love her," Berganza said. "She helped me to be able to be here today and graduate."

Dozens of classmates showed their appreciation through printed pages of "Thank You Notes" distributed at Monday's ceremony.

"Dear Mom and Dad, thank you for everything you have did for me," senior Jonathan Abell wrote. "From getting me into school on the first day of pre-k to being here tonight. You sacrificed a lot to my future and I could never return that to you."

Haylie Smith wrote: "I wouldn't be here today without you. Thank you for always believing in me when I didn't believe in myself."

Smith's father, David Smith, said they supported their daughter anyway they could, "whatever it took."

"But she did all the work," he said.

Senior Logan Hofer posed for photos with his mother, Becky Wapaha.

Wapaha said school wasn't always easy for her son.

"So there were a lot of ups and downs that went with it," she said. "It took a lot of work, a lot of pull, it took a whole village. It included his family, his church family."

Hilldale seniors found other ways to thank people who helped them. Before lining up for the processional, each chose a rubber duckie to give to High School Principal Josh Nixon. Senior Maci Scott said it was a final, silly way to thank him.

In his speech, Salutatorian Hunter Rouse thanked his parents, his pastors and other loved ones for helping him.

"My experiences in high school have affected my outlook for the future," Rouse said. "I think a lot of people get lost in what they're trying to do with theirs. The greatest advice I ever received is to find something you're passionate about and focus on that. Don't get lost into figuring out what you want to do. Choose something and put all your effort into achieving that goal."

Valedictorian Raylee Purdom encouraged classmates to put their trust in God.

"We're not starting a new chapter this time, we are closing a book, putting it on the shelf and picking up a new one," Purdom said. "We're getting the chance to have a new beginning, but it comes with a cost. We're losing friends, and the stability of our childhood."