For the week of June 5 - 11, 2002

Alternative school graduates 13 seniors in Class of 2002

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

The Silver Creek Alternative School celebrated its ninth graduating class last week when it sent 13 seniors away with hard earned diplomas. Three of those were General Equivalency Degrees.

State Sen., Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, was the commencement speaker.

The Alternative School graduates do the traditional cap toss outside the school immediatley following their graduation. Express photo by Willy Cook

The small school was crammed with families, alumni and friends who cheered heartily for every graduate. Stennett mentioned that fact when he said, "You are fortunate to have grown up in a place where neighborliness is still a reality."

He also advised the graduating class to remember the investment made in them and to "live a life of individuality and high ideals."

Graduate Chris Black said in a short speech, "The past’s in our head, the future’s in our hands."

John-O Casey, with tassel hanging off his hair, spoke gratefully to his many friends and family present to see him graduate. Express photo by Willy Cook

Another graduate, Alden Carter, raised his arm high and paraphrased Martin Luther King, "Thank God Almighty. Free at last."

After receiving their diplomas every student hugged teachers Barge Levy, Joan Hudson and Ray Cross, all of whom have taught at the school for years. Levy founded the school in 1993.

A reception followed the ceremony at the school with pastries and cookies donated by Christina’s restaurant in Ketchum.

 

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