{"id":33730,"date":"2023-05-26T06:09:37","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T12:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/dove-creek-seniors-graduate-with-over-200000-in-scholarships-prepare-to-take-on-the-world\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T02:12:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:12:55","slug":"dove-creek-seniors-graduate-with-over-200000-in-scholarships-prepare-to-take-on-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/dove-creek-seniors-graduate-with-over-200000-in-scholarships-prepare-to-take-on-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Dove Creek seniors graduate with over $200,000 in scholarships, prepare to take on the world"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The
The class of 2023 listens as valedictorian Trista Barnett gives her valedictorian speech. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Dove Creek graduates threw their caps as the gymnasium filled with family and friends erupted in cheers. The class graduated with over $260,000 in scholarship money, as well as garnering notable athletic achievements in football, basketball, volleyball and baseball.<\/p>\n

To start the evening, Dean of Students Jason Fury opened by reading a few Bible verses and saying a prayer for the graduates.<\/p>\n

\"Dean
Dean of Students Jason Fury started the ceremony with a word of prayer. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Teacher
Teacher Devon Lane was chosen by students to give the keynote address. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Salutatorian
Salutatorian Alexa Gray delivers her speech to the class of 2023. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Valedictorian
Valedictorian Trista Barnett encouraged her fellow graduates to live up to their full potential. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Cole
Cole Taber announced the recipients for his brother\u2019s memorial scholarship, and was a recipient himself. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Trista
Trista Barnett received $101,000 in scholarships. (Bailey Duran\/Special to the Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

\u201cI pray that they will be safe physically and spiritually as they face the unknowns and challenges of this world. I pray for the strength and courage to face the demands of this life. I pray that they will seek your guidance, reveal to them truth and that they will have no need to fear and will rest in your promises,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Following the prayer, Fury introduced Devon Lane, who had been chosen by the students to do the keynote address.<\/p>\n

She said seven years ago she was introduced to the class of 2023 for the first time. When she asked their former teacher what they were like she said, \u201cThis class is going to change the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe today more than ever that this class has the potential to change the world,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Lane encouraged students to have courage, a strong work ethic and self-mastery, telling them these were key to succeeding in life.<\/p>\n

\u201cCourage is the mental strength to measure, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty,\u201d she said. Without courage, it is impossible to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

I challenge you to never pass up opportunities because you\u2019re afraid to fail,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Salutatorian Alexa Gray spoke of her memories with the class of 2023, speaking about their competitive drive in the classroom and in their various athletics.<\/p>\n

\u201cAcademic competition between us is insane, and we push each other to be better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Gray even shed a few tears while thanking her class for the memories and wishing them well as they go on to their next adventure.<\/p>\n

Following the class slideshow of the seniors\u2019 childhood photos, Trista Barnett gave her valedictorian speech.<\/p>\n

Barnett shared that when she first moved to Dove Creek from the city, she was terrified to go to second grade in a new school, but her class pulled her in and made her feel at home.<\/p>\n

After speaking of her memories with the class and thanking family and faculty for their support, she gave some advice to underclassmen in attendance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI encourage you to enjoy these little moments because one day it will be the last homecoming, the last volleyball game and all you\u2019ll have are the memories,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Barnett ended her speech by providing encouragement to her classmates and urging them to push to realize their full potential.<\/p>\n

\u201cI encourage each and every one of you to fulfill your full potential,\u201d she said. \u201cNo matter your past, present or your future, create someone that you can be proud of.<\/p>\n

Following Barnett\u2019s graduation speech, Fury announced the scholarships received by the senior class.<\/p>\n

Multiple seniors were recipients of the Alec Taber Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship created in lieu of Dove Creek local Alec Taber who died of cancer at the age of 12 in March of 2014.<\/p>\n

Alec\u2019s younger brother Cole was among the graduates and was one of the recipients of his brother\u2019s scholarship. The seniors also had Alec\u2019s name pressed on their stoles.<\/p>\n

Some notable scholarship recipients were Kade Hankins who received over $66,000 in scholarship money, Gray who received over $65,000 and Barnett who received $101,000 in scholarships.<\/p>\n

In total, the class of 2023 combined had accumulated $261,290 in scholarships.<\/p>\n

After the scholarships were announced, the graduating class took turns handing flowers to their loved ones and accepting their diplomas before finally tossing their caps in the air, signifying the beginning of their new adventure, and equipped to live out the challenge presented in their senior motto:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hardest battle you will face in life is to be no one but yourself in a world which is trying its hardest to make you like everybody else.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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