Graduation day had finally arrived for the 24 graduates of 2015.
The middle school band started the ceremony off with the National Anthem. Then the speeches began.
Adam Priestley welcomed everyone in attendance to the special day. "I am excited to be here to share this moment with you," he said, "and also thrilled to see the new journeys and great adventures in your future."
Coach and teacher Brady Archer presented a memorable speech full of lighthearted humor and wisdom, with bits of advice from sixth-graders to his own personal top 10.
"Number one, don't say 'I don't get it.' Nine pieces of advice later, he ended with a bittersweet, "All of us will miss all of you."
Salutatorian Jessica Willburn was up next. Standing at the podium, she recounted her years attending Mancos schools, and gave out heartfelt thank-yous to teachers who influenced her.
She will be attending Colorado State University in the fall and plans to go into the medical field.
Valedictorian Courtney Colyer gave a well worded speech about her educational experiences. She spoke about her class in kindergarten, second grade, where they are now, and where they plan to go. Colyer will also be going into the medical field. She plans to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.
In their white and blue robes with yellow around their necks were National Honor Society members Maya Bonde, Mariah Bradshaw, Marie Fretzie Dela Cruz, Morgan Lincoln, Andie Paschal, Jayden Peacock, Jessica Willburn, and Sierra Wilson. Mariah Bradshaw was also recognized for her academic accomplishments. Bradshaw graduated with an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in cosmetology.
After the speeches, everyone in the audience was treated to a very well put-together senior slide show. There was video of each graduate giving advice to future graduates, their favorite memories, and tributes to their role models. Future plans of each were described. From Colorado, Arizona, and Washington, to careers in the military, nursing, equine training, and sports medicine, it is clear that these young adults with big dreams are set up for many future successes.