50 earn Independence High diplomas

Independence High School set a record with 50 seniors walking across the stage Thursday night to receive diplomas from Provo City School board member Mossi White.

"You can now relax," Principal Greg Hudnall told the crowded gymnasium full of parents, family and friends. "They've all officially graduated."Hudnall said the 50 seniors are as "different as clouds in the sky" but determined to make a mark in the world. He cited a long list of accomplishments achieved by the Class of '97, including the collection of seven state championships and the accumulation of 40,000 community service hours by those in the Junior ROTC program.

Hudnall then took the time to acknowledge each graduate by name and with a remark, something not every high school principal gets to do, given the numbers graduating in most high schools.

Independence is not like other high schools, emphasized the student speakers and Hudnall.

"That's what this school is about, friendship," said Aaron Robert Becker. "It's like with sports, it's kind of different. There's no big man. Everybody's the big man. We're all a team.

"People here will help you," said Becker.

"Here you know everyone," said Breezy Dawn Sorensen. "You learn to deal with weirdness. It's fun but challenging."

Valedictorian Romuald B. Martinez said students with imagination can picture the future and see their goals.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge," said Martinez.

The student speakers thanked Hudnall - introduced as "Greg" by the student giving the welcome - Hayden Marie Wright and administrative assistant Judy Park along with the rest of the teaching staff for their achievement.

"Others called us sluffers and druggies. They called us by our names," said Becker, reciting a poem his father had written.