The Sun and News, Saturday, June 5, 2021/ Page 7Caledonia High School
Principal Joe Lienesch
opened Wednesday night’s
commencement exercises.
Then, during the program’s
Valedictory address,
Nathan Trees was the fea-
tured speaker. In his
speech, Trees, who is this
year’s class valedictorian,
asked school administra-
tors to reconsider their
decision to do away with
the titles of valedictorian
and salutatorian. Their
action is proposed to take
effect for the Class of 2022.
“I would implore our com-
munity to reconsider the
decision that Caledonia
High School will, after my
year, no longer be publicly
recognizing valedictorian
and salutatorian.
Competition, though it can
have down sides, is the
driver of much of the
world’s progress, and rec-
ognizing these top aca-
demic competitors is
something that I feel helps
drive their successes. Why
should the gifts I and future
No. 1s happen to have be
less worthy of recognition
than athletic honors or
other leadership roles?
Please let my speech not
be that last one given by a
valedictorian at Caledonia,”
said Trees, who received
applause from the crowd.
(Photo by Sophie Bates)As graduates exit the football field after the ceremony, supporters line up to congrat-
ulate them. (Photo by Sophie Bates)Graduate Brianna Leftwich accepts her diploma from Superintendent Dr. Dedrick
Martin. (Photo by Sophie Bates)School board trustee Brittany Barber Garcia and Superintendent Dr. Dedrick Martin
hand graduates their diplomas. (Photo by Sophie Bates)Superintendent Dr. Dedrick Martin, school board
President Marcy White and Principal Joe Lienesch greet
a graduate as he crosses the stage to receive his diplo-
ma. (Photo by Sophie Bates)
Families pack Ralph E. Myers Memorial Stadium for the evening outdoor ceremony
with few masks and no social distancing required. Students were allowed up to 10
tickets per family. (Photo by Sophie Bates)The Caledonia Choralaires, led by director Kara Stevens, sing the Caledonia alma
mater before the end of commencement exercises. The Choralaires are a mixed
ensemble choir for grades 10 through 12. (Photo by Sophie Bates)School board secretary Julie Asper congratulates a
graduate. (Photo by Sophie Bates)
Caledonia Class of ‘21 Valedictorian
delivers a speech – and a plea