Brendan Gray received the award as class Valedictorian at the Rye High School graduation ceremony last Thursday night. Gray graduated with a 4.21 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and took half a dozen Advanced Placement classes in his four-year term as a Thunderbolt.
But it was his honest tale of struggle, hardship, and coming to the end of himself that, perhaps, will leave a mark on those attending the graduation long after memory of his GPA drifts away.
Gray uttered the name of departed classmate Stetson Brunick, and the crippling pain and darkness at the end of the graduation tunnel. He shared that sharing the pain with classmates, the comradery of their shared hopelessness, and loving and caring for each other got them through. “We matured in ways no kids should mature at that point in their lives,” he voiced, “and for reasons no one should ever have to experience. I hope that each and every graduate here today holds on to this maturity and uses it for the rest of their lives; to love and care for those around them instead of simply acknowledging their existence. I’m sure if Stetson were here today, he would have the biggest smile on his face, and most definitely be dressed way fancier than any of us underneath his gown.”
Gray described another way to deal with pain at the opening of his speech, “I’d like to thank Mrs. Shayla and Mrs. Jordan, as the staff leaders of our Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. These two amazing mentors provided me and so many others a place of worship where we could comfortably open up with one another, giving us a breath of fresh air each week from the craziness that is high school.”
There were other losses addressed at the graduation of these 62 seniors. Colleen Mansfield, who has served at Rye High School (RHS) as Administrative Assistant since 2007, said goodbye.
Felicity Holloway, who has been at RHS in some capacity for 32 years, also announced her resignation. Five of those 32 years she split her time between RHS and Craver Middle School. It would be easier to list what she hasn’t taught than what she has.
Principal Michelle Mann Madrill summed it up this way, “I think it is safe to say, Felicity taught, inspired, coached and supported many young men and women in the Greenhorn Valley over her 32 years of teaching. I, along with the Greenhorn Valley, give enormous thanks and gratitude for her years of service and dedication to students.”
Emily Whitley was the Salutatorian for 2024. Whitley took seven advanced placement classes and ended with a 4.12 cumulative GPA. She was recently awarded the Kane Family Foundation Scholarship, which is a full- ride scholarship and she plans to attend CSU-Pueblo.
She shared her words of wisdom, but did so briefly and with ‘a grain of salt’. “I am, of course, a 17-year-old who pretends like I know everything, so I take what I say with a grain of salt. My parting words are to always treat yourself with kindness and grace above everything else.”
Gold cords which require a 3.8 GPA or higher, score 1020 or higher on the SAT and acquire eight or more quality points, were awarded to Brendan Gray, Katelyn Huskins, Andrew Potter, Leah Peterson, McKenna Heasley, Alaina Bourgeois, Taylor Kenney, Jaklyn Newitt, Samuel Adams, Elana Barnes, Camille Cote, Hunter Swensen, Cole Esgar, and William Hamler.
Silver cords, which require a 3.45 to 3.79 GPA, a score of 900 or higher on the SAT and acquire eight or more quality points, were presented to Emily Whitley, Milena LaForest, Aysia Cluff, Clare Kottenstette, Hailey George, Codah Graber, Alexia Provenza, Caelen Sirbu, Brandon Benz, and Sofia Crosson. Mann Madrill, who is also leaving RHS this year, shared some words of wisdom with the final class to graduate under her leadership, as well.
She encouraged them to embrace change and to see it as an opportunity for growth. Secondly, she asked them to remain curious and to never stop learning, questioning and exploring.
And, finally, to be kind and compassionate. “Let your kindness be a bridge and remember your roots,” she continued. “No matter where life takes you, always carry a piece of your mountain home with you. The values, lessons, and friendships you have formed here will serve as your foundation. Let them guide you as you forge your path.”