By SALINA POST
"Fortunate" was the word Salina High School South Principal Charles Kipp used in reference to the school's Class of 2022 during Sunday's graduation.
"When I think back on the past four years, two of which I've had the priviledge of spending with these students, the Class of 2022 certainly has had to face unique challenges. And I think the best word to describe being here today is 'fortunate.' We're all fortunate to witness this year's graduating class' success and accomplishment. We're fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate together as a family, a school, and a community," Kipp said to those assembled in Tony's Pizza Events Center.
"I'm very fortunate as well. I'm honored to be here witnessing this important milestone in these students' lives. I wish to thank them for representing South High School so well," Kipp continued. "I also wish to thank them for decorating my office the other day with brightly colored balloons, a veritable rainbow of sticky notes, and some well-placed Silly String. It certainly brightened my office and my day."
Kipp noted that high school "is possibly the most influential time to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It is a time to develop effective habits and routines, as well as create social connections that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of your lives."
"Although these students have had to learn new technology and new ways to communicate, and learn via Zoom and Google, this year they've been able to gather for presentations, productions, activities, and athletic events. This group of seniors has made the most of the opportunities that they've had the fortune of being granted. And we are all fortunate for being there with them," Kipp said.
Tyler Smith, Salina South physical education teacher and coach, said he was beyond honored to be delivering the graduation speech.
He told the Class of 2022 that he had two speeches prepared and that the one he would use would be determined by an exercise he was going to make the class do.
"I have to understand what kind of energy you're gonna bring. It's Sunday. It's 5 o'clock start time. I'm assuming a lot of you have long, long weekends."
He then had the class stand and participate in the C-O-U-G-A-R-S chant with him.
"As a physical education teacher, this is the top of the mountain," Smith said of delivering the graduation address. "In a profession stereotyped with a whistle, wearing shorts, sweats, hoodies, and limpin' around barkin' orders - no pun intended to my esteemed colleague Chris Barkley - this is the peak."
Smith continued, "One of the first things you learn in PE school is all the list of famous people that were once PE teachers. At the top of our list: Mr. T. And despite all the fun things that Mr. T has done in his life - blowing up stuff for the A-Team, knocking out Rocky Balboa in Rocky III, and wrestling with Hulk Hogan in WrestleMania I - all that stuff's pretty cool, but nothing beats what I'm doing today. So take that, Mr. T!"
He then asked the Class of 2022 to do him a favor.
"I'm a big baseball guy, and in the game of baseball, a tip of the cap is the ultimate sign of respect and a thank you, so I want you to find your family right now and I want you to tip your cap to them," Smith said. "Whether they have been supportive of you or not. Whether you have always got along or not. They are here today to celebrate you."
Smith also asked the Class of 2022 to tip their caps to those persons on the stage, including USD 305 Board of Education members, Superintendent Linn Exline, and school administrators.
"Whether you agree or disagree with their actions over the last year and two years, two-and-a-half years, it was their leadership and clear communication with families, staff, and the community that has gotten us to this day through all of the obsticles COVID-19 has presented," Smith said.
"Finally, a tip of the cap to your teachers. It's no secret that our profession is under fire now more than ever. Our curriculum, our textbooks, and our libraries. But my colleagues, your teachers, continue to fight every single day to work and make Salina High School South a learning environment second to none. Thank all of you guys. I thank you," he said.
Smith also encouraged the students to see things from other people's points of view.
"The loudest person in the room is not always correct. Now more than ever there's a divide between who is right and who is wrong and what is right and what is wrong. We've turned into a society that refuses to listen and see multiple perspectives and different opinions. We can be wrong. We can be right. We can be correct. And we might be completely off the map," Smith said. "We can all listen to each other. We can all learn from each other, but being loud does not make you correct."
Jennifer Nguyen, senior class president, also described the Class of 2022 as fortunate.
"As I look out at the graduating Class of 2022, I can't help but think we are so fortunate to have written the chapters of our high school story together. And I can't wait for the sequel as we head out to start the story of our lives," she said.
Class Vice President Angelina Maybrier said she hoped her classmates remembered graduation day for the rest of their lives.
"It's not only an honor, but a privilege to have gained our knowledge and wisdom from South High. Our teachers are not only our role models, but people we could depend on, no matter what," she said. "Cherish this moment. Be proud of how far you've come and what you have accomplished. We're here to celebrate you and your success."
Hadley Lawson also talked of her classmates' future successes.
"After spending the last four years with all of you, I'm confident I'm looking at the world's medical professionals, law enforcement, politicians, educators, engineers, and so much more," she said. "As we exit this building today, remember all the long nights, endless hours of homework, late-night football games with the best student section, and great friendships that brought you here today. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Take great pride in your achievements and savor the lessons that the last four years have taught us."