Class Acts: Graduation 2023

1st Team

All-State seniors

Fall 2022 Winter 2022

Spring

Football

Thurston’s Vaun Halstead, heading to Oregon State University on a wrestling scholarship.

C - Brian Dally, Thurston

LB - Vaun Halstead , Thurston

DB - Darien Witham , Thurston

P - Connor Nevin, Thurston

2nd Team

WR - Dwayne Fotta , Springfield

K - Connor Nevin , Thurston

DL - Justin Dulac, Thurston

LB - Romynn Schaffer, Thurston

Honorable Mention

DL - Corren Hester, Sr. , Thurston

LB - Savion Whitehurst , Springfield

DB - Cade Dimmick , Creswell

Boys Soccer

Boys Basketball

2nd Team

Max Velarde, Creswell

Connor Hanson , Creswell

1st Team

Aldo Rea , Cottage Grove

2nd Team

Adrian Arellano, Pleasant Hill

Girls Soccer

1st Team

Ella Dzmura , Thurston

Arellano

Abigail Fitzpatrick , Thurston

Gabrielle Gilbert , Thurston

2nd Team

Kylie Jones , Thurston

Emma Dyemmartin , Pleasant Hill

Honorable Mention

Brennen Murphy, Cottage Grove

Girls Basketball

Honorable Mention

Alexi Morgan , Springfield

Kiley Campos , Pleasant Hill

Baseball

Player of the Year

Maddox Molony, Thurston

1st Team

Maddox Molony, Thurston

Easton McDonald, Thurston

Honorable Mention

THE CHRONICLE - CLASS ACTS: GRADUATION 2023 – 3

Springfield High

VALEDICTORIANS

Logan Bradley

Hannah Holman

Desmond Scott

SALUTATORIAN

Sydney Simmons

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Carly Bramhall

Jay Bramhall

Tamerra-Maritza Cervantes

Carlos

Jacey Cooper

Christian Garcia Badillo

Jillian Goggins

Kevin Gustafson

Violet Hawthorne

Kaydance Nadeau

Ella Paschall

Lucas Paugh

Kylie Rankins

Isaiah Torres

Madison White

SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS

President: Reese Clark

Vice President: Lucas Paugh

Secretary: Desmond Scott

Treasurer: Ryan Hass

Social Promoter: Lauren Bell

ASB OFFICERS

President: Giselle Garcia

Vice President: Ariel Jorkan

Secretary: Rocio

Gonzalez Figueroa

Treasurer: Nina Wilson

Social Promoter: Cyntha

Echeverria

PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE

Patrick Dalaun

Abbas-McClain

Calob Wade Abbott

Reagan Elizabeth Adair

Carlos David Aguilar Cruz

Susana Alatorre

Daniel Nicanor

Alejandre-Urenda

David Alberto Alfaro-Garcia

Makaylin M. Allen

Terra Grace Andrews

Jeremy Isaac Scott Anthony

Jesus Karim Arambula

Francisco Javier Arce

Olegario Arellano

Maximilian Arena-Crandall

Abraham Manuel Arenas

Erin Pearl Arendt

Eduardo Arias Sandoval

Seth Tyler Armstrong

Mia Renee Arroyo

Ashley Abigail Arteaga

Angel Leeanna Banks

Jacob E Bayardo

Lauren Marie Bell

Patrick Michael Bender

Luis Armando Benitez Carlos

Dillon Benzel

Alexander William Biehl

Hollander Donald Bishoff

Clarice Neil Blankenship

Grace McQuown Bone

Olivia Alina-Marie

Boutdavong

Kaylyn Britten

Brayden Maurice Brund

Kaden Wayne Buck

Echo Wesley

Bullock-Michelson

Ian Scott Buntin

Drew Alexander Campbell

Ezequiel Campos-Miranda

Makayla Dawn Canterberry

Alexa Cardenas Orozco

Marcos Joel Cardona Cortes

Abel Carlos Galindo

Christian Abraham

Castellanos-Cardenas

Shaylinn Star Cates

Reese Aaron Clark

Hannah Michele Coleman

Kiersten Marie Contreras

Jacobo Contreras Benitez

Oscar Enrique

Contreras-Romero

Jacey Leann Cooper

Gerardo Cornejo-Franco

Alicia Corona-Alcantar

Camrin Leon Cory

Trace Dallas Coven

Rubie Rose Crossman

Daphnie Denae

Davenport-Vongsy

Morgan Davis

Diego Delgado Alvarez

Victoria Irene Dawn Devine

Robert Willis Dewar

Kian Alexander Douglas

Kylee Logan Dowe

Ozzy Dean Durgin

Kaden Merlyn Earle

Cindy Josselyn Echeverria

Cynthia Jaylinn Echeverria

Nicholas Otto Eisele

Yuriana Elideth Espino-Sosa

Victor Adrian Espinoza

Gustavo Oswaldo Farias

Montes

Julian Farr

Marissa Marie Federico

Tanilo Antonio Fernandez

Castellanos

Sahalie Phyllis Fletes

Dwayne Jonathan Fotta Jr

Luis Daniel Francisco-Pelayo

Kharma Jane Freeman

Isidro Gallardo Gomez

Angel Enrique Galvan-Perez

Patricia Guadalupe Galvez

Solano

Hyban Andres Garcia-Allen

Alma Itzel Garcia Cerna

Giselle Jamilet Guadalupe

Garcia Rosales

Tanner Dean Garrison

Jillian Paige Goggins

Julian Adrian Gomez

Gabrielle Olivia Gonzales

Angelina Gonzalez

Esperanza Gonzalez

Rocio Gonzalez Figueroa

Grace Emma-Marie Graves

Kaylee Ann Gray

Anthony Paul Green

Tyler Andrew Griffin

Nielan Rodriguez Gudino

Miguel Guillen-Ramirez

David Wayne Hamilton

Tara Kathryn Hanks

Charlie Ruth Elizabeth

Hansen

Gracie Makena Hawley

Violet Elise Hawthorne

Stilez Arwin Rodney Head

Michael Alexander

Henderson

Anddy N. Hernandez-Diaz

Brandon Herrera

Anmarie Lynn Hesse

Jacob Wayne Hingley

Ezra Akira Hobson

Mary Ruth Hoffman

Hannah Faith Holman

Allison Hailey Holstrom

Zander James Horne

Hailey Rose Howard

Kaelan Alexander Howes

Tiffany Amber Howlett

Carson Lewis Hubbard

Ulises Huizar

Shyann Alalia Iseli-Espinoza

Adam Neal Jackson

Aidan Anthony Jackson

Zackriash Jekkar

Ayden W. Johnson

Douglas Anthony Jonas

Savannah Louise Jones

Ariel Kelly Jorkan

Hanniel Kalsey Jorkan

Conner Michael Juarez

Saryah Alexis Judish

Braden Alexander Kelley

Bryce A. Kerr

Dominic Duane Kinzie

Casey Dean Koke

Logan Shawn Kondziolka

Gabriel Adrian Laird

Kian Allen-Eugene Lamb

National Honor Society

Amelie Delor Acosta

Jazmine Milena Arzaga

Jordan Jacob Baker

Zander Adrian Borland

Logan Wesley Bradley

Carly Frances Bramhall

Jay Malcom Bramhall

Jacie Elizabeth Brewer

Isabella Faith Brown

Nicholas Scott Bryan

Emely Castaneda Rivera

Tamerra-Maritza

Cervantes Carlos

Sydney Rae Christensen

Jaysa Mae Ellery

Christian García Badillo

Kevin Joseph Gustafson

Ryan Nam Hass

Talia G Hosford

Kassandra Joyce

McLennan

Alexi Jo Morgan

Tyler Rhodes Pangle

Lucas Wayne Paugh

Alessandra Pena

Kylie Anne Rankins

Sydney Rou Simmons

Abigail Jolie Taylor

Isaiah Lawrence Torres

Kayla Marie Unrein

Madison Grace White

Springfield High

Julian Lara Sanchez

Juan Lemus-Calvillo

Janet Guadalupe Leon Rios

Bryan Lomeli Montano

Blake Andrew Long

Hernan Lopez

Elijah A. Lowder

Finn Lusby

Jayciee McKenzie Maddox

Allison Makenzie Martin

Alivia Leeanna Martinez

Fatima Martinez Hernandez

Juan Jose Martinez Villalvazo

Joshua Henry Mason

Mia Renee Mathews

Arlyn Adel Mattar

Aiden Dean Mayol

Lucas Alexander

McCutcheon

Emma Marie

McFadden-Wright

Diego Medina

Eduardo Mendoza-Beltran

Andrenae Ashley Lynn

Merideth

Kenneth Richard Meyer

Koda Angelina Mihm

Aidan S. Miiler

Delaney Marie Miner

Bianca Ann Monette

Jose Santos Montes

Miramontes

Marco Antonio Montes

Ochoa

Caidynce Olivia Moore

Chase Edward Morrison

Kaydance Kalia Nadeau

Raymond L. Nelson

Hunter Dee Nesseltree

Kori Nyamute

Jayson James Olsen

Reilin Marie O'Rourke

Michael Wesley Owens

Mercedes Padilla

Jacob Wayne Painter

Ella Elizabeth Paschall

Cristian Esteban Peralta

Romero

Braiden Randall Perry

Clayton Ray Phillips

Eliana Lauralean Phillips

Kaden J. Phillips

Lily Eileen Plumb

Donovan Vincent-Allen

Procopio

Jesus Christian Ramirez

Garcia

Aysia Michelle Rattanaphosy

Emily Marie Reyes-Nunez

Damian Allen Rivera

Aracelia Marie

Rivera-Grabler

Matthew Shawn Robbins

Yarelie Ariday Rodriguez

Lopez

Alex Rodriguez-Mojarra

Erik Michael Ruano

Isabella Lilianna Ruiz

Jasmine Ruiz Ponce

Alexander Ruiz Santiago

Jose Eduardo Ruiz Serratos

Christian Adrian Sanchez

Edgar Guadalupe Sanchez

Javier Enrique Sanchez Sollo

Angel Santiago

Nevaeh Ann Santos

Andrew Fredrick Schutte

Desmond Patrick Scott

Nekichwey Winona Scott

Sandra Stephanie

Sedano-Joye

Andrew James Sexton

Tyler James Sigfridson

Vanessa Rhys Smith

Marlene Solano

Evan Scott Stone

Joshua Robert Strong

Josiah C. Thomason

Brooke Lynn Thompson

Hannah Sue Thompson

Julian Alexander Townsend

Christopher Joe Trail

Geronimo Jackson Truett

Derick Josiah Lee Turner

Henry Valencia

Daniela Valladares

Karmyn Lynn VanCamp

Emely Paola Vergara

Luis Alberto Villalobos

Nunez

Mayra Alejandra Villanueva

Pena

Kyle Christopher Owen

Vincent

Ashlynn Marie Voges

Jack Gerald Wargo

Kane White

Savion Kenneth Whitehurst

Sam Wickert

Joshua James Williams

Nina Elaine Wilson

Juniper Lily Etoile Regan

Wollock

Casey Logan Worrell

Shasta Anne Wren

Ashton Evan Wymore

PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE

Thurston High

VALEDICTORIANS

Peyton Andrus

Eila Dersham

Paige Gault

Lian Hagel

Stella Hall

Sadie Levrets

Aracele Llarena

Colleen Lovdokken

Maddox Molony

Bo Nguyen

Rylee Nilsen

Shaely Petersen

Brooklyn Ramirez

Breanna Raven

Jachin Scott

Reese Wyatt

SALUTATORIAN

Desiree Antoun

Arianna Reed

Emma Rich-Huffman

Gabrielle Gilbert

Maricela Ahumada

Lucas Aldous

Taylor Altmiller

Kaidence Alvarado

Devin Anderson

Joseph Anderson

Peyton Andrus

Kaylee Annis

Katelynn Anthone

Desiree Antoun

Vanessa Antoun

Aric Ashpole

Trevor Atkinson

Ximena Baeza

Rylee Bagwell

Brian Barboza

Kiona Benshoof

Drew Blackwell

Andrew Booren

Amanda Bradley

Faith Bradley

Olivia Grace Brady

Portia Briceno-Hawkins

Austin Briggs

Timothy Brown

Abigail Bucher

Collin Buessow

Edgar Burboa Rodriguez

Kailee Burgin

Jazmyn Burnes

Broady Burrell

Cyrus Buttram

Nikolas Byerly

Sherell Campbell

Sean Cantlen

Sawyer Casarez

Cobi Chrissis

Gavin Clark

Hunter Cloud

Bradley Coder

Annalara Cole

Carlea Coleman

Jaden Collari

Owen Colley

Dakota Collins

Justinian Collins

Cassidy Cook

Destiny Cowans

Payton Cox

Sierra Crowe

Carder Cummings

Ethan Dajnowicz

Brian Dally Jr.

Kadence Dangleis

William Dau

Brian Davis

Jerome Davis

Sadie Decker

Luke DeMarce

Eila Dersham

Kistena deSully

Brandon Dixon

Malachi Doty

Shawn Dubell

Justin Dulac

Finn Dumars

Ella Dzmura

Jordan Eccles

Matthew Ellard

Kyler Emert

Taylor Esgate

Kylie Evans

Anna Fine

Abigail Fitzpatrick

Joshua Friedel

Annabella Friedrich

Alexander Fuller

Kelsea Gallagher

Ammon Gallup

Shantal Garcia

Alma Garcia Cerna

Diana Garcia-Gutierrez

Paige Gault

Gabrielle Gilbert

Jordan Gilliam

Alleycia Given

Kiara Gorsegner

Rachaell Graves

Chloe Green

Kaylynn Gregory

Hannah Gruver

Samuel Gunderson

Ayannah Guttmann

Shayne Guyton

Jacob Haas-Hanan

Lian Hagel

Stella Hall

Vaun Halstead

Calvin Hamel

Jacob Harper

Shelby Harrison

Kimberly Hart

Jayden Hartung

Esperanza Hernandez

Corren Hester

Taylor Hiaasen

Chloe Hill

Shantelle Hoffman

Chloe Howanic

Sawyer Huston

Kelsin Jagels

Hunter James

Aleena Jimenez

Anna Johnson

Ezra Jones

Kylie Jones

Jacob Judson

David Keller

Sofia Kneisler

Joseph Koffa

Terrence Koffa

Megan Koozer

Ariana Lagarda Pacheco

Raymond Laker

Elijah Lang

Selene Laskey

Claire Laudati

Alicia Lawrence

Raegan Lelong

Hailey Letsom

Sadie Levrets

Aracele Llarena

Lexy Lopez

Colleen Lovdokken

Andrew Loyd

Kelin Luis-Gomez

Sean Lysiak Jr.

Kolton Malone

Jadyn Marquez

Paris Marquis

Drew Martin

Clayton Matthews

Emily McCarthy

Kyran McCown

Hanah McCutcheon

Easton McDonald

Kendal McLane

Ashlynn Medlock

Justin Melheim

Chyann Mercer

Tyler Meyers

Jackson Mielenz

Preston Mijanovich

Kaleb Miller

Andrew Mills

Adam Mingo

Brooklynn Mitchell

Paislie Moffett

Maddox Molony

Waylon Monroe

Alitza Montalvo-Navarrete

Tenia Morris

Kira Morrison

Painter Morrison

Ashton Nash

Connor Nevin

Thurston High

Aleena Newell

Bo Nguyen

Hunter Nilsen

Rylee Nilsen

Lucas Nine

Mikayla Noble

Theresa O’Brien

Emmeline Ocker

Katie Olsen

Amelia Ostrander

Jesscia Parr

Emily Parrott

Ryan Patterson

Robin Pearson

Karlie Pemberton

Felipe Perez-Tapia

Madelyn Perry

Julia Petermen

Mikenzie Peters

Shaely Petersen

Wyatt Portoghese

Austin Pruitt

Keegan Purscelley

Brooklyn Ramirez

Dulce

Ramirez-Ramos

Hailey

Randell-Nevins

Caitlyn Rankin

Breanna Raven

Eden Ray

Arianna Reed

Cierra Reinke

Leneyah Richard

Emma

Rich-Huffman

Taylor Roberts

Emely Rodriguez

Raymond Rojas

Evelyn Royce

Braylin Ruchti

Avery Russell

Taylor Satterwhite

Romynn Schaefer

Alivia Schmitt

Jachin Scott

Kearstyn

Scott-Neel

Dorion Shanahan

Evelyn Sheeks

Elizabeth Sherer

Leah Siefke

Evelyn Simental

Rainey Simmons

Makenna Smith

Noah Smith

Madison Somerville

Haylee Sowa

Riley Sparks

Jake Spear

Ryan Spies

Amanda Stegner

Kendra Stockton

Jaden Stogsdill

Paige Storey

Emma Tagg

Blake Talley

Collin Talley

Aidan Tallman

Yaakov Tavares

Cortes

Jensen Taylor

Mitchell Teutsch

Hailey Thomas

Celia Thompson

Andrew Torkelson

Ella Truitt, Makayla

Tullis

Alexis Vandehey

Damian Wahlund

Jocelyn Wallace

Kodi Wardlaw

Julian Warren III

Dustin Waterman

Cody Watkins

Keadan Weiler

Emerald Wetzell IV

Cameron Wheatley

Derrian Wheeler

Drew White

Stephanie White

Dylan Whitney

Walker Williams

James Willis

Cole Wilson

Elijah Wilson

McKayla Wilson

Darien Witham

Bayleigh Wodke

Daxton

Wollenschlaeger

Zachary

Woodworth

Tegan Wright

Nathan Wurst

Reese Wyatt

Kirstin Yaroma

Kiaralanna Yep

Shaheylee York

Cassandra Zerr

PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE

Academy of Arts & Academics

PHOTOS BY EMERALD CRAFTON & CHAKRIS KUSSALANANT

Academy of Arts & Academics HONORS

MISIA FOSTER-HUNT

Misia Foster-Hunt is the child of Carmela Foster and Andrew Hunt. They were a STEM Major and will attend the University of Oregon to study Computer Science. Misia has obtained college credits through A3's College Now program and has received the PathwayOregon from the UO – Oregon’s promise to pay tuition and fees for up to 4 years, a value of over $60,000 and the UO’s Apex Scholarship for $2,000 a year for 4 years, valued at $8,000.

DARIAN GORMAN

Darian Gorman is the son of Timothy Gorman and Kimberly Gorman. He was a Media Arts Major at the Academy of Arts and Academics. He plans to enter into an Electrician Apprenticeship program. The classes he will take during the apprenticeship will be at Lane Community College. Darian has taken 3 College Now classes.

DESMOND MAYES

Desmond Mayes is the son of Christopher Mayes and Jennifer Hawthorn. He was a Visual Arts Major at A3. He will attend Lane Community College to study a Trade Program. While in high school, Desmond obtained 5 college credits through the College Now program. He was Student of the Month in February 2023. He has received funds to support college through Oregon Promise.

NIK MILLS

Nik Mills is the son of Loki Mills and Jared Mills. He was a STEM Major at A3 and will attend Lane Community College to study Computer Science and Technology. While in high school, Nik obtained 2 free college credits. He interned for Code Ninjas, where he worked with children, teaching them how to work computers and how to code. He got a Scholarship from the Oregon Promise Grant for $3,900 per year renewable for 4 years; a value of $15,600.

JUPITER TITUS

Jupiter Titus is the child of Hollie Butler and Greg Titus. They were a Visual Arts Major at A3 and will attend Oregon State University to study mechanical engineering. While in high school, Jupiter obtained 11 college credits through the College Now program, classes at Lane Community College, and at the UO. They interned for BRING Recycling, where they designed and built signs for the store. Jupiter received the Finley Academic Excellence scholarship from OSU for $4,500 per year, renewable for up to 4 years; a value of $18,000.

KHALIL ZOBAIRI

Khalil Zobairi is the son Faraz Zobairi and Kristin Topel. He was a Liberal Arts Major at A3 and will study Liberal Arts at the University of Oregon. While in high school, Khalil obtained 8 college credits. He received a scholarship from the UO for $1,500 per year renewable for 4 years; a value of $6,000, and the Finley Academic Excellence from OSU.

Aden Parsons

Alexandra Yarbrough

Braedyn Stevenson

Agenta Martin

Artemisia Foster- Hunt

Bria Holt Brody Hallinan Caleb Garrett-Miller

Casey Straub

Desmond Mayes

Caleb Hawes

Darian Gorman

Faith Estell Finn Hebb Hayden Shoemaker

Javier Lopez

Katie Ayers

Isaiah Wormsley

Jupiter Titus

Kesey Rosenberg

Khalil Zobairi Logan Russell

Nikolaie Mills

Rowan Maxwell

Mayson Platt

Rannon Reynolds

Tasha Bergstrom William Lewellen Zane Vulliety

Creswell High

Although I did not attend CHS my entire high school career, my time here has made an immense impact on my life. I have met people and encountered opportunities to create a successful future I would not have had access to otherwise (you all know who you are, thank you). My long-term goal is to work as a pharmacist. However, my next step in life toward this goal is earning my undergraduate degree at Willamette University. I plan to major in Chemistry with a double minor in Spanish and Public Health. Lastly, I would like to leave you all with my personal motto (my revised version of a quote by Rick Rigsby): Good enough isn't good enough if you can do better, and better isn't good enough if it's not your best.

ARIANNA OJEDA

High School for me has been a curse and a blessing. The obstacles I’ve faced have been immense, but my accomplishments have been more than rewarding. I appreciate all of the people who have impacted my life throughout my last 5 years at Creswell, and especially to my family and best friend for supporting me through this journey. In the fall, I will attend Oregon State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and hopefully travel along the way. I hope to specialize in cetaceans, and find a hands-on job with the animals I love. My passion for animals started with the time I lived in Alaska, and has stayed strong throughout the years. I hope with this degree that I can maintain the conservation of wildlife and ensure a better future for my children and more generations to come.

JORDYNN RISDAL

I have learned a lot about myself in high school. By exploring new things, I discovered the Peace Club and Outdoor Club as a freshman. I loved these groups for all four years, and Ms. Babbs and Ms. Wanner gave me the confidence to push myself outside of my comfort zone by trying new things like rock climbing and snow camping. I have pushed myself further and further each year and I can see the difference in myself from each grade level. I have also been involved in the National Honor Society, CHS leadership, and various community service activities, like the annual Hope Restored projects. I believe that self-learning is a lifelong activity and I will continue to get involved in new things as I enter the University of Oregon to study biology in the fall.

Dear Class of Creswell High School 2023,

Congratulations!! You made it. Life and circumstances have not made your high school journey easy. You pushed through many challenges the past four years. You demonstrated understanding, flexibility, perseverance and care through it all. YOU GRADUATED!!! We are so proud of you.

Looking back, everything must seem like a blur of blank spiral notebooks, sharpened pencils, exams, decisions to be made, games to be won, friendships to be cherished. You were full of questions – How will I get this done? What am I doing? What do I want to do? What if I fail? What if, what if, what if. … But from those questions, you were able to find your answers and fight for your dreams. Take that drive and keep going; your journey has just begun.

Finally, seniors and families, the school community would like to thank you for the privilege of walking alongside the graduates of the class of 2023. We are honored to have been a part of your high school accomplishments. Together, and because of the love and support of family, we are excited to send our graduates on their next adventure. Good luck to each of you!

Valedictorians Bulldogs Rule!

— Mrs.

Jenny, Creswell High School Principal

ASHLEE DANA

Salutatorians

KYLEE CHISHOLM

Throughout High School I participated in NHS, girls basketball, and HOSA – in which I qualified for nationals two years in a row in the Forensic Medicine event. After high school I plan to attend ASU online and complete a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In the future, after college, I hope to work for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit studying major criminals and their behavior patterns.

JENNA RODRIGUEZ

My name is Jenna Rodriguez and I have been going to Creswell High School for two years now, and these two years have been very important to me. I moved to Oregon in 2021 and joined Creswell High School halfway through my junior year. As a new student in a new environment, I was fearful. However, I got through certain challenges and overcame my fears by making new friends and pushing myself to do my best in school. I couldn't have gotten through my senior year without the support of my teachers and best friends.

GIANNA ROSS

Although there's been a lot of ups and downs, I'm happy to say that I am truly grateful for everything that high school has taught me; I've come out of my comfort zone a lot over the past four years with the help of Drama Club and the Bulldog Café, and Band has given me a lot of great memories with great people that I'll always remember. I've also learned a lot about being a leader as one of the co-Presidents of the NHS,

and I really appreciate the opportunities it's given me to make a difference. That's something that I've been trying to do at CHS; whether it's big or small, I've always hoped to make CHS better in some way. No matter how much my actions have made a difference, though, I'm still incredibly grateful for the opportunity that I've gotten to watch my fellow classmates grow.

CAROLINE SPRIGGS

My name is Caroline Spriggs and I have lived in Creswell my entire life, attending all 3 of the schools in CSD. Growing up I have always been into sports. I played T-ball and soccer in elementary school and then got into volleyball and basketball more consistently once I got to middle school. I have also always loved being involved in my school and being a leader to serve my classmates and make school a fun and enjoyable environment. One more important thing about me is I am a Christian and have attended the same church my whole life. I love to spend time with Jesus and worship Him with my friends and family.

KENDYL WHITSON

I have had an interesting high school experience, to say the least. When Covid hit Freshman year I had no idea I wouldn’t be coming back to school until my Senior year. Online school is so much different than in-person school and it is way less motivating. Playing sports through Covid was one of the biggest struggles for me. I love sports but all the restrictions made me not enjoy them anymore. I was doing school online alone and I was not enjoying my favorite sports. It was very tough but looking back, I have grown and learned through my experiences and I am grateful for them.

CRESWELL SENIOR AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Merrill and Peggy Perry

Memorial Scholarship ($1,000): Jayden Kubishta

Selco Community Credit Union Scholarship ($2,500): Ashlee

Dana

Coast Fork Kiwanis Scholarship

($500): Emily Scott

Coast Fork Kiwanis Scholarships

($1,000 each): Ashlee Dana, Jordynn Risdal, Caroline Spriggs, Claire Vaughn

Eugene Masonic Lodge #11 Scholarship ($4,000 each):

Jordynn Risdal and Jayden

Kubishta

Social Justice Scholarships

($750 each): Ashlee Dana and Jordynn Risdal

Bean Hopper Scholarship

($500): Claire Vaughn

May Anderson Scholarships

($1,000): Kaitlyn Machado and Gavyn Putnam

Cutis Van Derson Memorial Scholarship ($500 each): Gianna Ross and Savannah Ross

Creswell High School Athletic

Booster Scholarships ($500 each): Sierra Walter and Jack

Nguyen

Marple Memorial Scholarship

($500): Gavyn Putnam

Jim Wright Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): Maysen

Scovil

Creswell Education Foundation Scholarships ($500): Jordynn

Risdal and Gavyn Putnam

Additional scholarship ($1,000): Claire Vaughn

Creswell Education Foundation

Poetry Scholarship ($500):

Gianna Ross

Bright Light Student is: Lance

Judy

Bright Light Educator goes to: Jack Stepp

CHS General Scholarships ($500 each): Gavyn Putnam, Gianna

Ross, Savannah Ross, Caroline Spriggs

Most Outstanding Students in Physical Education: Natasha

Battan and Ethan Smith

Most Outstanding Students in

Social Studies: Jordynn Risdal, Ashlee Dana, and Jack Nguyen

Most Outstanding Students in Science: Ashlee Dana and Jack Nguyen

Most Outstanding Students in Visual Arts: Ethan Smith, Claire Vaughn, and Jordynn Risdal

Outstanding students in industrial arts: Gerhard Jakits and Juan

Beltran-Shank

Most Valuable Students are: Ethan Smith and Antonio

Zavala-Meza

Most Outstanding Students in Mathematics: Jordynn Risdal and Maysen Scovil

Most Outstanding Students in Spanish: Bryce Coats and Michael Lyons

Most Outstanding Students in English: Caroline Spriggs and Kathryn West

John Philip Sousa Award: Gianna

Ross

Outstanding Music Mentor

Award: Kaitlyn Machado

Most Outstanding in Personal

Finance: Jordynn Risdal and Gavyn Putnam

Most Outstanding in Accounting: Ashlee Dana

OSAA Scholar-Athletes: Natasha Battan, Kylee Chisholm, Kaitlyn

Machado, Jack Nguyen, Maysen Scovil, Caroline Spriggs, Clarie Vaughn, Sierra Walter, Kendyl

Whitson

OSAA Activity-Scholars: Bryce Coats, Alec Jenkins, Kaitlyn

Machado, Gianna Ross, Savannah Ross, Emily Scott

Outstanding seniors lettered in 3 Varsity Sports their Senior Year: Connor Hanson, Kaitlyn

Machado, Jack Nguyen, Samairah Quinones

Creswell High

Savannah Armstrong

Juan Beltran

Caitlin Britt

Natasha Battan

Garrett Belwood

Kylee Chisholm

Jonathan Clowers

Bryce Coats

Cade Dimmick

Sahayla Downard Ashlee Dana Gianni Donayri

Christopher Dunham

Ruby Forsman

Jakiah Franco

Cameron Grant Annabelle Hatch

Sophia Goyen

Connor Hanson

Alexander Herington

Ajay Hodge

Photos by Bob Williams

Gerhard Jakits

Lilly Jones

Aleena Kemp

Alec Jenkins

Lance Judy

Gacelyn Kofoid Jayden Kubishta

Akasha Lawson

Michael Lyons

Rachel Mielenz Elijah Lee

Kaitlyn Machado

Autumn Mullins Jack Nguyen

Arianna Ojeda

Kylee Owens

Parker Paquette

Dakota Owens

Jose Pantoja

Hannah Perdue Elisha Powell

Kelsey Pruitt

Gabriel Ramsey

Gianna Ross

Gavynn Putnam

Jordynn Risdal

Savannah Ross

Samairah Quinones

Jenna Rodriguez

Boston Rule

Creswell High

From your friends at

We salute the administrators, teachers, students, and families who are part of this milestone event in life. Our 5th annual graduation special section is part of our commitment to hyper-local news and the southern Willamette Valley.

chronicle1909.com

Emily Scott

Ethan Sixkiller

Caroline Spriggs Maysen Scovil

Ethan Smith

Klaire Thornton Tanya Torres

Claire Vaughn

Tilar Vinson

Adam Weaver

Maxwell Velarde

Sierra Walter

Kathryn West Kendyl Whitson

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEAVITT / FOR THE CHRONICLE

Cottage Grove High Valedictorians

RYLEE GUTHRIE

Rylee was the president of Key Club and worked as a volunteer at the coffee cart. She will be attending the University of Oregon in the fall. Her major is undecided but will most likely major in English with a Spanish minor.

ELIZABETH HANKINS

Elizabeth was involved in leadership this year and was a coordinator for the Lion Pride Pageant which raised nearly $10,000 for Children's Miracle Network! She has also danced with the South Lane Ballet Academy for 8 years. She will be attending the University of Oregon next year. Elizabeth has not declared a major but she plans to minor in Spanish.

Salutatorian

EM MCDONALD

Em McDonald spent most of their time after school in the Cottage Grove High School theatre department, where they have performed since freshman year. They are particularly proud of their achievements in the theatre, as the president of CGHS's FBLA chapter, and as founder of the school's Green Club. They are continuing their education at Oregon Institute of Technology to study Nuclear Imagining Technology.

Cottage Grove High

Adrian Salazar

Aldo Rea-Hernandez

Alexia Burkey Adrianna Glenn

Alexander Cortes

Alivia Hurst Jacobs

Allison Martinet

Allyson Phillips

Ari Valley

Austin Arthur Amen Duckworth

Ashley Pleitez

Austin Glenn Austin Stanfield

Auston Aldrich

Brennen Murphy

Brianna Migas Blakely Herbert

BriAnna Bonnichsen

Caden Lucek Cael Kent

Carter Parsons

Cesar Hernandez Gonzalez

Charles Kent Cesar Castillo

Char Hawks

Chase Cordin Chase Fuller

Cheyne Galbreath

Conner Costa

Dakoda Barr Cohen Costa

Cora McClean

Darrell Cranford Deegan Hutchins

Destin Logan

Drew Thomas

Eliana Piltz

Donald Yeo III

Eireann Woods

Elizabeth Hankins Elyssa Foster

Cottage Grove High

Em McDonald

Emma Walker

Eryn Whisler

Emma Cook

Erica Martinez

Ethan McMurray Ethan Petersen

Faith Powell

Gabriel Bunce

Gabriel Kobel Finn Bartlog

Gabriel Evans

Gavin Blackmore George Jaime

Grant Barnes

Halle Violette

Isaac Lopez Hadyn Petersen

Indy Whitlock

Jacob Penland Jaeydon Sunkler

Jasmine Conklin

Jaydon Wallace

Jesus Torralba Javin Hemenway

Jerzie Epperson

John Nicholls

Johnhenry Krasinski

Jorrdon Sunkler

Jose MenchacaHernandez

Josie Hitt Jose Camarena

Joseph Younger

Justice Hudson Kalee Walter

Laila Payne

Lillian Wood

Lincoln Watne

Lillian Ham

Lily Nelson

Logan Taddei Logan Zolezzi

NOT

Wilmarth

Luke Gifford

Malaky Barr

Meadow Lopez Luke Sexton

Martinique Greer

Meghan Hawley

Michael Hornick

Michelle Jimenez Hernandez

Myles Julien

Nicholas Burns Miguel Lopez Natalie Fields

Nickolas LaHaie Pablo Garibay

Peter Booth Rowan Bedell

Rylee Guthrie Porter Browning

Roy Mehan

Sebastian Bates Sergio Martin-Martin

Shane Reimche

Stephanie Rodriguez

Trinity Holder Sophia Coronel

Sunni Harris

Tristan Bentley Tyler Russell

Virgina Martinez

Wyatt Pepiot

Zane Schnee Wisper Pilling

Zachary Mertens Zyzia Curry

“Your

and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to ful

your own purpose and potential.”

Kerry Washington

Cottage Grove High

PHOTOS BY REBECCA ALLEN LAMPTEY / THE CHRONICLE

Al Kennedy High

PHOTOS BY REBECCA ALLEN LAMPTEY / THE CHRONICLE

Pleasant Hill High

By RON HARTMAN Ron@Chronicle1909.com

PLEASANT HILL – Graduation week is a fun time for nearly all seniors … but at Pleasant Hill High School, they believe in taking their fun to new levels.

One of the school’s long-standing traditions is that, on the final day of school, seniors are permitted to drive to school in the vehicle of their choice. So on June 7, along with the usual array of riding lawn mowers, tractors, ATVs, and big rigs, students met at the Dairy Queen and formed a parade along Hwy. 58 as they drove to school.

One big surprise was that senior Blake Richardson wasn’t among that group. That’s because he was arriving by helicopter in the middle of the Billies’ baseball field.

“I wanted to do something that nobody had ever done,” said Richardson, who said he has a friend in Cottage Grove who allows him to fly his plane – but his friend is the one who actually landed the helicopter.

Senior pranks are nothing new at PHHS, and thankfully they were reportedly rather tame this year. But school employees still remember the time when somebody released thousands of ladybugs inside the school. Then there was the time when somebody Super-glued a bunch of locks – a “prank” that nobody was laughing about.

“One year they hoisted an outhouse on top of the gym – twice,” said Stephen Ferguson, who helped with the sound system during Friday’s graduation ceremony. “Maintenance pulled it down, then they put it up there again.”

These last four years haven’t been all fun and games for graduating seniors. Dealing with Covid, working remotely, not being able to see their friends. … It was the kind

of heavy stress that most students never have to face.

Valedictorian Gavin Hoellrich put those struggles in perspective during his speech Friday.

“In 2019 our roller coaster was at full speed, because we were officially high schoolers,” Hoellrich said. “As freshmen we enjoyed Friday night football, homecoming festivities and, of course, sneaking off campus with older siblings and friends at lunch. But just as we were headed into those first set of loops, our ride came to a sudden stop, leaving us strapped in, hanging upside down. During Covid, we were left hanging there for a year, waiting for our ride to be repaired.

“We all found our own ways to cope, but we did have some commonalities. The boys all experimented with longer hairstyles and their ability to grow facial fuzz, while the girls seemed to work on their fashion sense, and perfected the pajama-pant look. When our roller coaster finally got moving again, and we returned to school again in our junior year, we all looked like overgrown Chia pets walking around in fl annel pants wearing masks.”

In concluding his speech, Hoellrich added: “Sitting here today symbolizes the end of our wild ride here in Pleasant Hill. Some of us are thrilled and are already looking forward to their next adventure. Some of us probably have that nauseous feeling that can hit after a bumpy ride.

”One thing is for sure, we’re all stronger and we’re more prepared to face all the ups and downs and the twists and turns that our futures must certainly hold.”

Hoellrich received a handful of various scholarships, and will be attending Oregon State University in the fall.

'A wild ride'

Pleasant Hill High

Adrian Arellano

Austin Garrett Ratliff

Blake Alan Richardson

Allison Paige Bennett

Balin Gunther Brown

Braelyn Marie Spears Brasen Jeremiah Holliday

Brazen Max Mitchel Ellis

Brooks Anthony Wilcox

Cassidy Ryam Perkins

Brennen Carl Bell

Cameron Adam Griffiths

Cayden Noel Wickwire

Chase Martes Smith

Chelsea Rose McAllister

Dakotah Grace Johnsen

Dominic Michael David Weimer Christopher Joseph Hutchinson

Destinee Marie McCracken

Elijah Will Brenn Emma Rose Dyemartin

Gavin Reid Hoellrich

Hunter Reid Drews

Garett Prentice Foglio

Hailey Ritter

Ian David Vanderlip

Isaiah William Leishman

Jack Lewis Murray

James Elias Gordon

Jillian Charlene Placko

Jacqueline Marie Pineda

Jennah Deanne Kopperud

Jordan Lee Jarrell

Kade Michael Kienle

Kaia Shea Taylor

Kiley Nicole Campos

Lena Maria Daniel

Kelcie Anne Goddard

Landon Connor Goodson Hawkins

Liesel Katherine Everett Lorena Claire Albright Luke Henry Templin

Pleasant Hill High Pleasant Hill High

Madison Sakura Monteith

Mason Waggener Buckley

Madelyn Grace Boettcher

Marc Patrick Griffiths

Matthew William Dutton

Morgan Brianne Perkins

Natalie Ranae Ryan

Payton Elizabeth Swaim Riley Summers

Paige Jocelyn Schenfeld

Payton Faith Wolbeck

Sage Rose Campbell

Savanah Rose Endicott

Shyanne Lynn Fenley

Thomas J. Nichols

Trenten Daniel Neuharth

Sydney Taylor Buster

Travis Levi Gielish Jr.

Tyler Gordon Bahen

Tyler Jacob Bernardo

Zachary Jade McGuire

Autumn Smith

Jasmine Valencia

PHOTOS BY TIM MEINZEN

Oregon Charter Academy

“As we say goodbye to our graduates, our hearts fill with joy and pride. We are confident that the solid foundation they built at Oregon Charter Academy has prepared them for the next phase of their lives. To the diligent and dedicated Oregon Charter Academy students, I extend my warmest congratulations. On behalf of the entire staff, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!” — Allison Galvin, executive

director, ORCA

Willamette Connections Academy

Willamette Connections Academy, a statewide tuition-free online public charter school, celebrated nearly 100 members in the Class of 2023 with a commencement ceremony on June 10 in Scio, including:

NICOLE MOORE, SPRINGFIELD

Nicole Moore from Springfield plans to get a college degree for business while working at a horse training facility. “My long-term goal is to open up a horse training facility for show horses, for marketing and or sales, a dream of mine since I was 11 and that dream is slowly becoming a reality,” Nicole said.

Father Dave Moore says Willamette Connections Academy gave his 18-year-old daughter fl exibility and a great education. “This choice has helped Nicole tremendously in learning more about herself and creating spectacular goals.”

WYATT SHARKEY, CRESWELL

This Creswell teen is planning a career as a paramedic fi refi ghter after graduating from Willamette Connections Academy (WillCA). Wyatt Sharkey’s mother Bridget Sharkey says their family appreciated the online school’s flexible schedule and teacher involvement.

“We are very proud of Wyatt and this unique way of learning. He has done well and earned straight A's several semesters — it has fi t him well,” Bridget said.

Oregon Connections Academy

Oregon Connections Academy, an online public school serving students across the state in grades K-12, graduated 70 seniors in 2023, including:

MIKEY EDWARDS, SPRINGFIELD

After graduation, Mikey Edwards from Springfield is considering an apprenticeship program for tattooing, taking business classes or both. Mikey says staying in contact with teachers through the online school setting will help in the future. “If I go full-time tattooing, I will be one-on-one working with consumers who are getting a tattoo or if I do business full time I can be my own boss and still get work done.” Mikey works at Sonic and enjoys art. She started at Oregon Connections Academy (ORCA) a little late in the school year and is grateful for the teachers who helped her graduate. “I had good teachers that cared all the way through.”

Dakota Hight Springfield

Keira Waggoner Cottage Grove ASCEND Grad

Selena Branch Springfield

Justin Vegas Cottage Grove

Payton Miller Cottage Grove

Not pictured:

Kara Mitchell Creswell Honor Roll

Cody Gilman Springfield