Senior Senate announces 2014 graduation speakers, lineup
Brad Hawkins photo courtesy of Washington State Legislature
This year’s graduation ceremony on June 6 will follow tradition with speakers from the graduating class, Abe Sinay-Smith and Alexa Andre, faculty speaker Doug Merrill, and a distinguished alumnus, Washington State Representative Brad Hawkins.
Hawkins graduated in 1994 and spoke on being selected as the distinguished alumnus. “I am very honored the senior class selected me for this award,” Hawkins said. “I’m looking forward to graduation.”
The graduation also comes a week apart from Hawkins’ 20th High School reunion. During his time he was very involved in sports and academics, being the only person in school history to earn 12 varsity letters.
So far, he hasn’t reflected much on what his speech will be about. “Certainly the class of 2014 has accomplished some amazing things but they have their whole lives ahead of them,” Hawkins said.
Apart from the speakers, “This year’s graduation ceremony will feature a live musical act composed of Wenatchee High School seniors,” Social Studies teacher and senior class advisor Brandon Harle said. “So far only one group has auditioned for the gig.”
As of now, the lineup of that band consists of seniors Catherine Ross, Carie Graves, and Alisa Monda on vocals, Chris Jackson on guitar, Mike Jones on piano, and Drake Holliday on drums.
Sinay-Smith voiced his enthusiasm for his role as one of the senior speakers. “It’s definitely an incredible honor,” he said. “It’s really cool so many people voted for me to do the job.”
The process of choosing the speakers from the graduating class is done by popular vote, which occurred Monday, May 5. This is where Sinay-Smith was chosen along with Andre.
Graduation is always put on by the Senior Senate. “Graduation’s been our number one priority,” ASB Senior Senator John Dye said. “There’s only one musical act, but it’s going to run really smoothly.”
Now that everything is set up, it’s only a matter of time until graduation. “I can’t give away exactly what’s in my speech because that would have spoilers,” Sinay Smith said. “However, I can say that the speech will be genuine.”
