Students were recognized for awards during Gresham’s graduation ceremony Friday, May 26
A total of 23 students received their diplomas at the graduation ceremony held at Gresham on Friday night, 17 of which will be continuing their education in college, while one will join the military and a few others are undecided.
Salutatorian Alyssa Roe, who will attend NWTC next fall encouraged her classmates to make mistakes.
“I want to encourage you to  make as many mistakes as humanly possible,” she addressed. “But make them towards a goal. If you always have a goal in sight, you will be driven towards success within that goal. When setting a goal, follow your dream.”
Along the same lines, co-valedictorian Sydney Jensen told her fellow graduating class to embrace fear and not to shy away from it.
“At times like these, we all can be a little fearful,” Jensen said. “Don’t be afraid of failing. We live in a world today that tells us we have to be perfect all the time at something the first time we try it. Fear shouldn’t stop us from the things we want to attain. Instead, face fear head on and turn that fear into curiosity. Take action and make your dreams come true.”
Meanwhile, fellow co-valedictorian Kayli Posselt offered a challenge to those ready to take that next step in their lives.
“I dare you to be compassionate. A simple act of kindness could mean the world to someone,” Kayli pleaded. “It could give them the courage to continue, keep them afloat for a little while, take their worries away for a single moment, or simply just make their day. This simple act sets off a chain reaction. Kindness is contagious, so be kind. It does make a difference. I dare you to go outside of your comfort zone. It may start small and continue to get bigger, but start somewhere. If you don’t, there’s going to be a lot of ‘what ifs’ instead of ‘I tried this’ or ‘I did that.’ I dare you to defy yourself.”
Seven graduating seniors were also recognized with the President’s Education Award, which since 1986 rewards students for academic success in the classroom.
Students who received the honor were Makena Arndt, Neal Cerveny, Sydney Jensen, Kayli Posslt, Alyssa Roe and Eric Schmidt.