Alva Review-Courier -

The weather has turned hot and windy, so you know it's time for graduation. On Mother's Day 15 graduated with the Class of 2022 at South Barber in Kiowa.

One by one the seniors walked into the gymnasium to the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance" played by Nikki Brattin. Adoring family and friends watched, undoubtedly remembering that graduate since they were in diapers. The video toward the end of commencement featuring each graduate is certain to spark emotion.

Rather than a guest speaker, the class president, valedictorian and salutatorian address the audience. Excerpts from their speeches follow.

Clare Pollock Gives Valedictory Address

Valedictorian Clare Pollock stepped to the podium to give her address and said, "We have been waiting for this day for what seems like an eternity, and it is finally here. Back in elementary school when we began typing our username with the number '22', as our graduation year, that seemed so far away," Pollock said.

"I would like to thank all of our elementary, junior high, and high school teachers, as well as Mr. Shaffer and Mrs. Kersten, for helping get us to this point. Without your guidance through the years, we would not be sitting in these seats."

Pollock reminisced about all the fun times and other times with her classmates. Then she said, "Instead of labeling people based on 'things,' let's label each other based on choices. We choose what we say. We choose how we treat others. We choose between right and wrong. We choose to build others up instead of tearing them down. We choose to stand up for others when they're being bullied. Instead of our label being "the popular kid, the athlete, or the smart one" wouldn't it be better if our label defined what we choose to be: kind, compassionate, easy-going, friendly, trustworthy, dependable, loyal, full of integrity? 1 Peter chapter 3 verse 8 says 'Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.'"

She remembered the book "Wonder" her class read in seventh grade about a boy named Auggie with severe facial impairments. He just wanted to be normal.

"Auggie has been a hero for the ages, one who proves that "you can't blend in when you were born to stand out." I remember how that story left an impact on me ... on us. A quote that has always stuck with me from that book was "Given the choice to be right or be kind, choose kind."

Salutatorian Avery Grieve Says You May Strike Out but Don't Give Up

When Salutatorian Avery Grieve stood at the podium, she described herself as "a huge baseball fan." She told the story of one of her favorite baseball players Houston Astro Jose Altuve. He is the shortest active MLB player at the height of five-six. He faced many challenges on his road to play in the major leagues, often in the form of rejection from tryout camps. Despite Altuve's talent he was rejected because of his small stature.

Grieve told how after thinking he was close to a Major League contract, it was pulled away from him in the blink of an eye. "Altuve was devastated, but he did not let that stop him. He got right back to work, attending more tryout camps," she said.

Alfredo Pedrique, the Astros Latin American Coordinator, was a key decision-maker in the Astros organization. Pedrique used his influence to promote Altuve and the rest is history.

Grieve said Altuve is now the Houston Astros second baseman. He's won five Silver Sluggers, been selected to seven All-Star teams, earned American League's most valuable player in 2017, and helped lead the Astros to a world series title in 2017.

"Jose Altuve would not be where he is today without his determination. He was rejected by eight major league baseball teams. The message to pull from this is, never give up! Keep pushing forward. You will meet your goals. There will be struggles and trials along the way. There will be people who don't believe in us. Use this as fuel to prove them wrong. Stay determined and focused, and you will reach your goals in no time," Grieve said.

"Without Pedrique, Altuve never would have gotten the chance to be a major league player. We all need somebody like that in our corner. It is so important to have that group of people, who, no matter what, believe that you can accomplish anything. Everybody needs people to believe in them. We all need a support system. That support can come from family, friends, teachers, community members, coworkers, and sometimes, even complete strangers.

"Without people believing in us and our dreams, we would lose motivation and start to believe that we actually can't do it. With a little determination, hard work, and a great support system, we can accomplish anything. So, to the class of 2022, remember Altuve's story. When life throws you curveballs, you may swing and miss, you may strike out, but you'll always get another at-bat. Lean on those around you who believe in you, and don't give up," Grieve concluded.

Class President Ruston Erikson

Not surprisingly, Class President Ruston Erikson brought his humor to the podium and had a special description for each of his classmates.

Erikson laughed as he said the phone calls these graduates will make to parents this next year will be like what button do you hit on the washing machine; can you put some gas money in my account; and many more.

"We like to think we can do it all on our own already, but in reality, we know that we'll need them to hold our hands just a little bit longer," Erikson said of their parents.

In conclusion he said, "I've watched these young men and women grow up together, tackle challenges together, and bully each other nonstop. Even though we are going separate ways, I know I will always remember my high school years. We have accomplished so much just by being here, and I know that we will continue to do great things in our futures. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of this senior class of 2022 and I hope that you guys will be diligent and successful in everything you put your mind to. I love you guys and Go, Chieftains!"