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-------- William Guevara / CR News
June 17, 2025
(CR News) - On Tuesday, June 10th, Columbia River High School's Graduation ceremony was held at Cascades Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
After many moving speeches, the ceremony comes to a close with seniors walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. The top 5% of students were then welcomed back to the stage to lead the classic gesture of moving their tassels from right to left—a symbol of their transition as a graduate._____________________________________
(CR News) - On Tuesday, June 10th, Columbia River High School's Graduation ceremony was held at Cascades Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
The ceremony started with Rivers’ jazz band playing as seniors were walking to their seats in the front of the amphitheater, while families and friends cheered. Columbia River Principal, Alex Otoupal, takes a moment to not only welcome families but to recognize their seniors for the things they’ve accomplished over their high school careers.
Senior Annie Morrison Garcia was the first of two student speakers. Starting her speech with moments from freshman year, she eventually transitions to the present, elaborating on the surreal feeling of being a class of 2025 graduate. She mentions tough moments throughout high school, but states that “the past must not be an anchor holding us down, but instead a current, pushing us forward.” She also emphasizes that it is not just the highlights, but the struggles that truly encompass a senior’s high school experience.
Garcia then welcomes the second student speaker, CRTV’s Conner Orr. He reflects on the fear and anxiety he felt when he first started playing soccer at River—he felt that he wasn’t going to be the greatest player. He ended his speech by thanking everyone and reflecting on how the support from his teammates, friends, and family had reshaped his point of view. This support had motivated him to work hard with his team to make it to the finals and win gold in the state tournament.
Awards recognizing outstanding seniors' contributions to NHS, IB programs, ASB, and more were presented by Morgan Parker. VPS Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, then board director, Kathy Decker, took the stage to discuss what the future holds for these graduates and what it means to be present in the moment.
After many moving speeches, the ceremony comes to a close with seniors walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. The top 5% of students were then welcomed back to the stage to lead the classic gesture of moving their tassels from right to left—a symbol of their transition as a graduate._____________________________________
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