Dexter High School Commencement Set for Sunday

In just a few short days, the senior class at will join the ranks of other Dreadnaught alumni when they experience the whirlwind of commencement. The Class of 2011 will graduate on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the high school, saying goodbye to one stage of life and welcoming another.

Dexter Principal Kit Moran couldn’t be more thrilled for the seniors, who he says left a great legacy for the school.

“Every class does have some unique characteristics,” Moran said. “It’s always bittersweet to see them go, and this is a fantastic class. They’re sweethearts. They’ve kind of grown together as a senior class.”

In fact, the graduating seniors selected “We Are One” as their class motto.

“We’ve all said they really do seem to not have cliques,” Moran said. “Their last day was last Thursday and it seemed like they didn’t want to leave the building. It was sad to watch them. Some of them have known each other for 12 to 13 years. You don’t have to tell them that this is a big step in their life; they know that.”

Although saying goodbye to these students may be hard for administrators and teachers, it is also an occasion to honor excellence. Speaking at this year’s commencement will be the three senior students honored by the Principal’s Award: Zaryn Jennings, Cameron Maisch and Paul Parker.

“At Dexter, we don’t have a valedictorian or salutatorian,” Moran said. “Instead, the kids submit requests to do a graduation speech, and we call it the Principal’s Award. They give their speech in front of a committee of teachers, students and myself, and we choose anywhere from two to three students.”

The winners are selected based on the quality of the speech, the student’s speaking ability and how the speeches might fit together at graduation.

“We try to offer a variety and a cross section of our senior students,” Moran said.

The three speakers have been working with teacher Debora Marsh, the school’s debate and forensics coach.

“They’ve been working really hard on rewriting their speeches so there isn’t any overlap, so from speaker to speaker, the ceremony will tell a story," Marsh said.

“I think they’re working really hard to come up with a really good presentation. I’m really looking forward to hearing them," Marsh said.

Superintendent Mary Marshall will also share some thoughtful words on the graduating class and their journey at commencement.

As for the ceremony’s logistics, Moran recommends that the public show up as early as possible.

“I’m always telling people to get there early,” Moran said. “You really can’t get there early enough. There are only a few entrances to the high school.”

In the meantime, the students and high school staff are undergoing final preparations for the big day, including a graduation run-through so students can practice for their final task as a group.

“This class has been through some challenging things,” Moran said. “They’re probably sad to move on, but probably ready. We’re excited for them, but it is a pretty emotional time of year for us.”