32 graduate from Independence High

Independence High School Principal Greg Hudnall continued a more than decade-old tradition Wednesday by honoring each graduate individually at graduation ceremonies.

The high school graduation for Provo School District's alternative high school will be Hudnall's last after 13 years at the school. He has accepted a position with the district leading a newly created program for at-risk children. Vice Principal Judy W. Park will take over as principal next term.Known informally as "Greg" by students, Hudnall shared tears and hugs with the graduates and occasionally wiped his eyes during the ceremony. "My goal is to make everyone feel important," he told the Deseret News following the exercise. Students at Independence High School are considered "at-risk" in the traditional school setting.

While honoring each of the 32 graduates, Hudnall painted a picture of individual growth and change. Of Vanessa Garcia he said, "This is not the same girl who in the past did not want to be in school. I am so proud of you and the way you have dealt with your challenges." He acknowledged another student, David Whittaker, for earning his Eagle Scout award the day before graduation.

For Emily Bowen, the class salutatorian, he said, "Emily, Emily, I will not miss you. That's not true. I wish you could have known Emily these past few years. When I told the staff that Emily would be the salutatorian, they almost fainted. But the change in you, girl, is unbelievable."

Hudnall also gave an honorary diploma to the parents of Dusty Isaacson. Isaacson would have graduated this year but died a year ago of cancer. It was the first time the school has handed out an honorary diploma, said Park.

Students also honored each other. "Behind a tough facade there's a tender and sweet spirit," said student speaker Alexander Johnson. "A lot of them are my heroes."

Valedictorian Abraham Jacob said he witnessed a "big change" in his life and now will be able to go on to college. He paid tribute to his teachers. "A bright future still remains," he said, paraphrasing the graduation theme, "When you think all is lost - the future remains."

While on the senior trip the class adopted the slogan "Mo' Betta," from a chicken dinner menu. The slogan stuck, said Hudnall. When he presented the class to the Board of Education and board member Kenneth Matheson, who accepted them, Hudnall presented them as "32 of the Mo' Betta seniors this school has ever known."