Perseverance to reach your dreams will be the theme of Cyrus Hostetler’s message to the graduating class of Newberg High School this Friday, June 9, 2017.  The Newberg High School alum graduated in 2005 and competed in the javelin throw as a member of the 2012 and 2016 U. S Olympic track and field team.

Approximately 350 Newberg High School students will receive diplomas in ceremonies on Friday, June 9, 2017, at Loren Douglas Field on the high school campus.

Speakers joining Hostetler on the program will be Principal Kyle Laier and class valedictorians.

Newberg Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza will present the Class of 2017 and members of the Newberg School board will present diplomas to the approximately 350 graduates.  Associated Student Body President, Dallas O’Bryan, will lead the change of the tassel.

Students mix new and old traditions

Events leading up to graduation includes both new and old traditions.

“The Class of 2017 is all about setting new traditions,” said Janay Cookson, NHS Assistant Principal and graduation coordinator.

Class leaders have organized what they hope will be a new tradition at Newberg High School – walking the halls of their former elementary and middle schools in their caps and gowns the day before graduation. Students will board buses after the senior breakfast on Thursday to visit either Mountain View, Mabel Rush, Edwards and Joan Austin schools or Chehalem Valley, Dundee, Ewing Young and Edwards schools.

Cookson said that students have also engaged in writing messages to teachers who have been part of their educational experience in Newberg.

Traditional graduation activities include a senior recognition night on Wednesday, June 7th and the senior breakfast and graduation practice on June 8th.  A privately organized Baccalaureate is being held at Newberg Christian Church on June 6th.

A parent-sponsored all-night drug and alcohol-free Grad Night Party will be held at an undisclosed location following Friday night graduation ceremonies.

Student Honors

Thirteen students who have maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average while earning an honors diploma are class valedictorians. Valedictorians are Joshua Butorac, Madison Hergert, Katie Kisling, Shannon Leffler, Amy Lowe, Mikayla Morgan, Abigale Mortensen, Luis Nadora, Taylor Rarick, Quinton Read, Brandon Takahashi, Rayce Vergets and Emily Weiler.

John McCarthy, Conner Morris and Zachary Whalen are class salutatorians, earning a 4.0 grade point average in regular academic classes.

Thirty-nine students earned an Honors Diploma by maintaining a minimum 3.5 grade point average in rigorous advanced courses and meeting Oregon University System requirements.

Four exchange students will participate in graduation ceremonies. They are Jeong Hyeon Choi, Nico George, Matilde Harring, Richard Muller and Luuk Pessers.

Daniel Textor, a class member who died last November, will receive an honorary diploma.