White River class of 2023 graduates

White River High School students got their diplomas Thursday, June 8 — and a reminder that with adulthood here, they should still embrace their inner child.

(See bottom of this story for more photos from the graduation ceremony.)

Class speaker Sydney Spooner lauded her peers for their resilience during their school career — years of which were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we were young, we took all the world had to offer with a sense of wonder and curiosity,” Spooner told the graduates. “We weren’t afraid to ask questions or to try new things. We are free to be ourselves without the weight of judgment or expectation. But as we grow older, we often lose touch with our inner child … and forget about the joy that comes from simply being alive. … So my challenge to you today is to reconnect with our inner child. Take risks, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to fail.”

White River School District counselor Gregory Benjmain reminded students of a few more things before they earned their diplomas.

“Remember that you have a last name,” Benjamin said. “Listen more than you talk. Never spend your time trying to prove to someone that you’re great. … We all get the same 24 hours in a day. What you do with those 24 hours is what will make a difference. … Think of others more than you think of yourself. … Find passion in something, and when you do, don’t let anyone or anything stop you. … If you act like a fool and go to jail, I will not bail you out. However, if you need me for anything else, I will be the first person there. … We’re so very proud of you. … The truth is that I’m a better person because of our time together.”

A total of 278 seniors graduated this year; of that total, 61 will attend a four-year college, 32 will go to a two year college, eight will start an apprenticeship and seven will join the military, according to the school district. A total of 15 students also graduated with their associate’s degree.

The class also includes 28 students receiving Washington State Honors, which means they placed in the top 10% of all state graduates.

The anticipated on-time graduation rate is around 96%, according to the school district.

The graduating class earned a total of $1,892,132 in scholarship money, White River High School principal Cody Mothershead said.

That includes awards from the Hornet Honors event, an annual local celebration of graduating seniors held by the volunteer-run nonprofit White River Community Scholarship.

Community Scholarship president Nikki Slominski said the group gives out around $60,000 in scholarships every year. That money is raised through donations from the community. Thirty graduates received scholarships this year, totaling between $1,000 and $2,750 each, Slominski said.

Seniors apply for the scholarship by writing an application, and the program matches them to fitting donors; for example, Slominski said, if a donor wants to fund a student who goes above and beyond in serving their community, the organization will connect them to such a student.

The organization has been around since the 1960s, Slominski said, though it was once called Dollars for Scholars.

“None of this would be possible without the generous contributions of our community members,” she said.

The White River Community Scholarship relies on community donations and volunteers to sustain the yearly program, Slominski said. Those interested can learn more by contacting the high school counseling office or visiting sites.google.com/view/wrcommunityscholarship/home or facebook.com/WhiteRiverCommunityScholarships

White River High School’s class of 2023 included valedictorians Sydney Spooner, Jo Jo Cox, Kelli Kaelin, Nicole Poussier, Tate Ringel, Julia Robinson, Lillian Schatz, Audrey Spencer and Salutatorian Alex Gomes.

Nearly 300 White River High School students graduated this year, earning their diplomas at the Washington State Fair Grounds in Puyallup on June 8. Photos by Alex Bruell / Sound Publishing

Class speaker Sydney Spooner addresses the graduates. Photos by Alex Bruell / Sound Publishing

Nearly 300 White River High School students graduated this year, earning their diplomas at the Washington State Fair Grounds in Puyallup on June 8. Photos by Alex Bruell / Sound Publishing

White River High School principal Cody Mothershead speaks during the graduation ceremony. Photos by Alex Bruell / Sound Publishing

Nearly 300 White River High School students graduated this year, earning their diplomas at the Washington State Fair Grounds in Puyallup on June 8. Photos by Alex Bruell / Sound Publishing