Benjamin Logan High School members of the Class of 2026 listen to remarks Friday evening during commencement. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
In the midst of words of encouragement and inspiration, Benjamin Logan senior Greyson Wagoner had her own take. Speaking about our tendency to fill every moment with something to do, she challenged her fellow graduates to seek … boredom.
“Boredom shows us we have souls,” she said during her valedictorian speech at the Benjamin Logan High School commencement on Friday, May 22. “In the quiet moments, where we’re all alone and the phone is dead, that’s where we learn.
WAGONER
“The overstimulation of the mind is something that starves the soul and creates a void only boredom can fill,” Wagoner stated.
Wagoner was the last of three valedictorians to take the podium at the ceremony. Following the opening remarks from Principal Annette Ramga-Alatorre, the first, Winifred Bodin, spoke of “the beauty in making a choice and wholly committing ourselves to the path we pick.”
Bodin, who also served as senior class president, concluded, “Whatever your path looks like after high school, pursue it with passion, dedication and purpose.”
Co-valedictorian Winifred Bodin, who also served as senior class president, addresses her classmates at the May 22 Benjamin Logan High School commencement. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
The second valedictorian to speak, Rylan Norviel, reminded her classmates they won’t be the same in a few years but compelled them to not be afraid of new opportunities, adding, “change is a mindset.”
This 56th annual commencement ceremony for Benjamin Logan saw 141 seniors graduate under the motto “We haven’t come this far just to come this far.” For the district, this “captured the determination and perseverance of this year’s graduating class.”
Special music was provided by senior choir members, who sang “Time After Time.”
Fellow co-valedictorian Rylan Norviel accepts her diploma at the Benjamin Logan High School commencement at the school gymnasium. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
Along with the three valedictorians, the school recognized the following seniors for their outstanding academic achievement:
Fourth place (tie): Kaidyn Green and Annika Chappell
Sixth: Tyler Shoopman
Seventh: Scarlett Elliott
Eighth: Ella Chamberlain
Ninth: Evelyn “Bre” Allen
Tenth: Josey Queen
Jeff Fay, assistant principal, and Mark Himmeger, board of education president, presented the diplomas while John Scheu, superintendent, officially accepted the graduating class. Bodin concluded the ceremony with the traditional moving of the tassel.
“It is with a tremendous amount of pride and pleasure that I wish each member of the class of 2026 congratulations,” Alatorre said in her opening statement. “By choosing your responses and embracing a sense of joy, lifting up others and being fully engaged in each moment, you will succeed and build a lasting legacy.”
In the district’s press release, they state, “Whether employed, enlisted or enrolled, Benjamin Logan Schools is proud of all 141 graduates as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
“Once a Raider, always a Raider.”
Benjamin Logan High School senior choir members from the Class of 2026 perform their final song together at graduation, “Time After Time.” (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
