First-year principal Mark Risen credits the class of 2015 for reinvigorating school spirit at the school

Many graduating classes hope to leave behind a lasting legacy at their high school. Many claim to have done it.

According to first year principal Mark Risen, the class of 2015 did just that at Newberg High School, proving that doing everything with an energized spirit does matter.

“It’s a legacy of excellence, enthusiasm, volunteerism, compassion, scholarliness, service, others before self, inclusion, acceptance, unity, pride, school spirit and the understanding that there is great reward in giving to a cause greater than one’s self,” Risen roared from behind the lectern Friday evening. “This is the exact legacy of the class of 2015.”

Risen, who served as the primary speaker in lieu of a special guest, said the class of 2015’s drive to change the school for the better and in a lasting way became apparent to him immediately after interviewing at the school, some 500 days earlier.

He was approached by Associated Student Body senior representative Sylvette Benetti, who engaged him in a 45-minute conversation about what that legacy might be.

“They wanted to energize Newberg High School, to increase school spirit, school pride, student involvement and in so doing make Newberg High a better place before they would graduate,” Risen proclaimed. “They wanted their senior year remembered as one filled with energy, fun, spirit and Tiger pride.”

Risen recalled how a group of students approached him about appropriating a phrase he used in his interview with students, thus birthing the “Newberg Nation” campaign.

From reviving the long defunct school song to increasing student involvement, the effort was successful and Risen wasn’t the only one to say so.

“What’s special about our class is that no matter what groups, clubs or teams we use to define ourselves, together we created our own identity as a class,” said ASB senior representative Hannah Dodson, who gave the welcome address, along with Avery Nielsen. “Thus we’re largely responsible for and will forever be remembered as the innovators and creators of Newberg Nation. Together, Newberg Nation gave us something to share and call our own. It created a passion within all of us to succeed and excel in all of our endeavors.”

In recognition of the now-defunct small schools structure, Risen invited former small school principals to attend and take part in graduation ceremonies; Karen Pugsley (Green) and Stafford Boyd (Yellow) attended along with current assistant principal Dan Malone (Blue).

Catalyst Alternative High School graduates were also recognized and included in the event, sitting interspersed with their NHS peers.

Risen proudly pointed out that of this year’s approximately 340 seniors, 221 were listed on the school’s college and career board for being accepted to institutions of higher learning, taking jobs, committing to military service or embarking on humanitarian missions abroad.

With 19 speakers and just eight minutes, the class of 2015’s valedictorians elected to share meaningful quotes in their address.

Mark Twain won the straw poll, with his words having been chosen by three valedictorians, including Colten Lemos, who shared the timeless words, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can get done the day after tomorrow.”

Others went further off the beaten path, like Angel Nunez, whose quote was simply the loud shout made by the classic Nintendo video game character Link from the Legend of Zelda.

“Sometimes it really is best to keep your mouth shut, with the exception of the occasional guttural yell, and let your actions do the speaking,” Nunez said. “So, seniors, after four years we’re here. We did it. We let our actions speak for us. Now, let’s go save the princess or the graduate or whatever your goal may be.”

By far the biggest cheer of the night, a standing ovation, was given to Doug Peterson, who accepted an honorary diploma on behalf of his son, Page, who died last winter.

Linfield-bound swimmer David Flores Juarez stated his pride in the accomplishments of the class of 2015, but pointed out there is work yet to be done by following classes to fulfil the promise of Newberg Nation.

Like most graduates, though, he was equally excited to be done.

“This whole year has gone by so quickly,” Flores Juarez said. “Today is when it hit me. I woke up and realized I’ll never come back here as a student. It feels great. When I moved the tassel, I had this tingling feeling all over my body. It feels awesome.”

Written by: Seth Gordon