NASELLE – Twenty-five seniors became the Class of 2009 at commencement exercises June 13 at Naselle High School’s Lyle Patterson Gymnasium. The NHS band under the direction of David King played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the crowd of several hundred family and friends greeted the graduates.

The Class of 2009 was led in by juniors Karli Nelson and Alan Erickson and they took their seats beneath a backdrop that included the class motto by Archimedes, “Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth.” Rebecca Rostad then gave the welcome and Toni Mullins delivered the valedictorian address. Rob Dalton was faculty speaker and the band then played medley of movie themes by John Williams.

NHS counselor Justin Laine awarded scholarships and then Toni Mullins and Shelby Leeland presented the popular and poignant slide show highlighting each of the 25 graduates’ personalities and their accomplishments. Naselle School Board Chairperson Deanna Gjovik, with the assistance of Superintendent Alan Bennett and Principal Karen Wirkkala, handed out diplomas.

Bennett then presented the class to the throng and the NHS band played “Celebrate” as the graduates departed with lively step.

Those earning high honors (GPA of 3.75 and above) were Shelby Leeland, Toni Mullins, Rebecca Rostad and Conor Smith. Earning honors (GPA of 3.2 to 3.74) were Mercedes Barnes, Alexander Bennett, Emma Fauver, Risa Fletcher, Stephan Griss, Marcus Sanchez, Gabriel See and Michael Shirley.

Senior class awards were valedictorian Toni Mullins, salutatorian Rebecca Rostad, English IV to Mullins, advanced math Barnes, calculus Rostad and Mullins, science Rostad, Contemporary World Problems Smith, information technology Rostad, senior projects Leeland and Nate Sultemeier, publications Mullins and Leeland, career education Barnes, and drama to Smith and Leeland. 

Principal’s Leadership Award went to Smith and he and Leeland received the American Legion Citizenship Award. Mullins received the Secondary School Principals’ Award and the John Philip Sousa Award and Rostad also received a Secondary School Principals’ Award. Leeland was given the Elenora Hillis Award and Wendy’s National Heisman Award, as was Smith, who was voted to receive the Bob Chamberlain Award.

Washington State Honors Awards went to Mullins, Rostad and Smith and Smith and Rostad received Air Force Math and Science Awards. Smith received the NHS Musical Achievement Award and Sultemeier received the National School Choral Award. Mullins was class president, Rostad secretary and Emma Fauver was class treasurer.

The Class of 2009 expressed special thanks to their advisor, Josie Ciambetti, and also to Rob Dalton, Frieda Footh, Kristi Leeland, Lynette Mullins, Greg Nelson, Jonathan Tienhaara and Karen Wirkkala.