UHS graduates take time to cherish the memories

Utica High School members of the Class of 2016 pledged to move into the future by cherishing the memories created in their high school.

"Cherish the memories you’ve made on the field, court or track. Cherish your last performance on stage or your last time cheering in the stands. Cherish last class period with your favorite teacher or your last friday night out with all of your friends as high schoolers," said Utica High School speaker Shannon Habba. "Cherish these memories and let them be a part of who you become.

The thoughts were echoed by fellow student speaker Cameron Gudobba, who linked the drive and deteremine of his classmates to the Detroit Lions.

"As you move your tassles and leave your classmates for what may be last time, I can hope you can take a lesson from your favorite sports team - keep achieving and keep being unquantifiable."

Other stage speakers celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates and their ability to lead the future.

Noting the rapid pace of societal change, Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said graduates are poised take the success they achieved as UHS students to a new level.

"You are the new generation of leaders, dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs," Dr. Johns said.

Board of Education Vice President Gene Klida told the graduates the question UHS students will face in their bright futures is "how will you use that preparation to not only succeed in the world, but to make it better."

Principal Thomas Lietz acknowledged the accomplishments of the graduates, including 38 valedictorians, 2 salutatorians, an average ACT score of 21 - a point higher than the average score in the state of Michigan - and collectively took 500 Advanced Placement exams - which translates into 1500 college credits - and $6 million in scholarships.

Lietz told graduates they have honored the legacy of their high school mascot.

"There is a saying that you hear constantly in the halls of Utica High School - Once a Chieftain Always a Chieftain!"