Class of 2022 sets off on life's amazing journey

DAYTON–Fourteen newly minted Dayton High School graduates walked at Commencement last Saturday before stands filled with supportive family, staff, administration and friends.

Graduates received some $245,404 in scholarship money to pursue their educational goals.

Class of 2022 Valedictorian Sagelyn Kilts gave the valedictory address after she and classmates processed in to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance," performed by the Dayton High School Band, under the direction of Amy Gillick.

The ceremony was opened by High School Principal Kristina Brown, who expressed appreciation for those who made the commencement exercises a success, especially scholarship donors, and for the dedication of Mrs. Jana Eaton for her work on with student and scholarship committees. Brown thanked academic counselor Kristine Warren for her work with the senior class, and for Warren and High School Secretary Angie Alleman for their contributions to the ceremonies.

She thanks the staff, community and parents for their support, continued encouragement and involvement in Dayton Schools, including parents of Dayton school students "for sharing your most precious possession, your children, for entrusting us with their education and personal development." Paige's Flowers was thanked for creating and contributing the floral arrangements.

Kilts presented her valedictory address, followed by Salutatorian Woodend.

Brown presented the fourteen members of the Class of 2022 to receive their diplomas from Board Chairman Jeffrey McCowen. One class member, Rebecca Millsten, completed all requirements for graduation, but opted out of the commencement ceremonies.

Honor graduates were Kilts, Woodend and Mikel Vance.

Graduates included: Mikel David Thomas Vance, Aria L.M. Woodend, Sagelyn Kilts, Eloy Garcia-Romero, Tristian Zachery Cush, Julia Verna Brooks, Elaina Giavonna Gembala, Trinity Lynn Anderson, Jesse James Gant, McKenzie Evan Schmidt, Ella Rhae Larson, Trista Eliana Villaro, Mackenzie Faith and Dylan Duane Bledsoe.

A total of $245,404 in scholarships were awarded to 2022 graduates with $46,450 being named to previous Dayton graduates. Scholarship recipients included:

Aria Woodend: Owen & Jan Agenbroad Continuing Education Assistantships-$250.00, American Association of University Women-$400.00, Dayton Hospital Auxiliary-$500.00, Elk Drug-$500.00, Archer Ranch-$524.50, Grace Scribner-$585.00, Ralph & Elsa Emigh -$750.00, Ward & Vera Hoskins Memorial-$750.00, Homestead-$1,500.00, John Israel-$1,500.00, Vernon Marll Charitable Trust-$2,000.00, Dayton/Columbia County Fund-$3,000.00, Guy & Nyda Prater-$3,500.00,Washington Opportunity Grant of $22,500 over four years, and WSU Regent's Scholarship-$4,000 per year.

Elaina Gembala: Dayton Hospital Auxiliary-$250.00, , Owen & Jan Agenbroad Continuing Education Assistantships-$250.00, , Dayton Volunteer Firefighters Association-$500.00, , Dayton High School Alumni-$1,000.00, , John Israel-$1,000.00, , Gailord & Jean Nelson-$1,500.00, , Guy & Nyda Prater-$1,800.00, , Dayton/Columbia County Fund-$3,000.00, , Eastern Washington University-$1,000.00.

Ella Larson: Ward and Vera Hoskins Memorial-$700.00, Floyd and Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$1,200.00 and WWCC Foundation Ketcherside, yet unnamed amount.

Eloy Garcia-Romero: PEO Citizenship-$300.

Mikel Vance: Merwin & Alethea Neace & Family Memorial-$460.00, Ben & Sue Dickinson Memorial-$500.00, Anderson Perry-$1,000.00, Floyd & Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$1,000.00, John Israel-$1,000.00, Guy & Nyda Prater-$2,000.00, Dayton/Columbia County Fund-$3,000.00.

Sagelyn Kilts: Marv Evers-$250.00, Owen & Jan Agenbroad Continuing Education Assistantships-$250.00, PEO Citizenship-$300.00, Merwin & Alethea Neace & Family Memorial -$460.00, Columbia County Ag Improvement-$500.00, Dayton High School Booster Club-$500.00, Dayton Lions Club Academic-$500.00, Archer Ranch-$524.50, Ward & Vera Hoskins Memorial-$700.00, Frances R Spoonemore Memorial-$750.00, Dayton High School Alumni-$1,000.00, John Israel-$1,000.00, Kiwanis Citizenship Award-$1,200.00, Floyd & Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$1,500.00, Dayton/Columbia County Fund-$3,000.00, Guy & Nyda Prater-$3,500.00, Montana State University, $72,000 over four years.

Trista Villaro: Kay Preston Cochran Memorial-$250.00, Brandon Barton Memorial-$300.00, Emory Clapp Memorial 4-H-$300.00, Blue Mountain Eagles #2618-$500.00, Dayton High School Booster Club-$500.00, Dayton Lions Club Vocational-$500.00, Elk Drug-$500.00, John Hinchliff/Pheasants Forever-$500.00, Kenneth G. & Shirley M. Golliher-$500.00, Columbia Straw Supply -$1,000.00, Dayton High School Alumni-$1,000.00, Whetstone -$1,000.00, Floyd & Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$1,200.00, Kiwanis Citizenship Award-$1,200.00, Vernon Marll Charitable Trust-$2,000.00, Dayton/Columbia County Fund-$3,000.00.

Past graduates received the following scholarships:

Cristobal Escobar: Ward & Vera Hoskins Memorial-$400.00, Ben & Sue Dickinson Memorial-$500.00, Vernon Marll Charitable Trust-$2,000.00.

Kaleigh White: Ward & Vera Hoskins Memorial-$400.00, Dayton Lions Club Continuing Education-$500.00, Columbia County Livestock Association-$750.00, Kiwanis Citizenship Award-$1,200.00, Floyd & Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$1,300.00, John Israel-$1,500.00, Homestead-$2,500.00, Guy & Nyda Prater-$3,200.00.

Kira Boggs: third year of Don and Nancy Fix $8,000 per year scholarship.

Kylee Laughlin: Ward & Vera Hoskins Memorial-$400.00, Ben & Sue Dickinson Memorial-$700.00, Dayton High School Alumni-$1,000, Floyd & Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$1,300.00, Vernon Marll Charitable Trust-$2,000.00.

Mackena Culley: second year of Don and Nancy Fix $8,000 per year scholarship.

Neylan Bryan: fourth year of Don and Nancy Fix $8,000 per year scholarship.

Terran Villaro: Floyd & Eugenia Darnell Norgaard-$800.00, Vernon Marll Charitable Trust-$2,000.00.