Gratitude marks Ephrata 2023 graduation

EPHRATA — One of the things Ephrata High School graduating senior Kacie Shannon said she came to realize in high school is that no one is solely responsible for their own success.

“In every case, there was some type of support system in place, whether it be a friend, a family member, a teacher or a mentor. In some cases, success was derived directly from a bit of friendly competition,” Shannon said during her speech at the Ephrata High School class of 2023 graduation ceremony June 2.

“No matter who it is, we need to applaud those who make us who we are,” she added. “Here in high school, we have all had interactions with others that have shaped our character and made this experience what it was.”

Shannon was one of 186 seniors who gathered with family, friends and loved ones at Kiwanis Field next to Ephrata High School to receive their diplomas on what was a warm Friday evening under a cloudless Columbia Basin sky, and one of three graduating seniors to deliver a few words of wisdom to those gathered.

Zeke O’Donnell, the 2023 EHS student body president, echoed Shannon’s theme of gratitude.

“I would just like to thank everyone who’s made this day possible for us. I want to thank the staff for making these four years as full as they were. Without them, none of us would be sitting here right now,” O’Donnell said.

“Finally, I would like to thank all the people sitting behind me,” O’Donnell continued as he turned to face his soon-to-be-former classmates. “Being able to mature with these peers and stick with them through the whole way is an experience I don’t think any of us will ever forget.”

O’Donnell said all of the challenges they faced as students, from the mundane such as late assignments to the changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helped contribute to making them ready for the moment when they could turn the tassels on their graduation caps and then toss them in the air.

“We’ve had ups, we’ve had downs, and we’ve had everything in between. But without these moments, we wouldn’t be who we are,” he said.

Student speaker Zachary Reyes also spoke of gratitude, telling his fellow graduates that each one of them helped make their shared time at EHA extraordinary.

“We have truly become a family. The memories we have created together are priceless, and I am grateful for each and every one of my classmates. Thank you for being so inspiring,” he said.

Shannon, who said she thought of her speech like a TED Talk, said that while some graduates may contribute to the world with significant accomplishments in science, mathematics or law, and others may truly change the world with their ideas and inventions, most will contribute to the world in very ordinary but incredibly meaningful ways through simple acts of kindness, compassion and caring.

“Many of us will contribute to the world by raising a family and we will one day watch our children graduate just like our families are watching us today,” she said. “Legacies are not always accomplishments that are written in a book or recorded on a family tree. Sometimes the legacies that mean the most are simply created with intention and time — the time you spend with someone who needs your counsel, how you decide to treat those who cross your path throughout life.”

Shannon advised those listening to be purposeful with their thoughts and actions.

“Be intentional with your legacy,” she said.

Samantha Moore, who with Travis Hendrick introduced some of the evening’s speakers, also added to the theme of gratitude.

“Three summers ago, we gathered on the same field for a freshman orientation. And after four crazy years of high school, we find ourselves all here together once again for graduation,” Moore said. “We are so grateful for you taking this time out of your evening to celebrate with us.”

“I think I can speak for all my peers behind me in saying that we are proud to be your class of 2023,” she said.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com