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Eldorado Class of 2018: 'Best year of my life so far'

ELDORADO - The Class of 2018 heard words of praise and inspiration from classmates and administrators Friday, at their commencement ceremony Friday evening in Duff-Kingston Gymnasium.

Co-valedictorian Jordan Fricks, in his address, said the extracurricular activities he passed up were worth the sacrifice to be one of the top students in the class.

"A lot of people were worried about me, because I didn't go to homecoming, didn't go to senior prom and didn't go on any senior trips," Fricks said. "But, I didn't give it up. I just traded it in. This year has been the best year of my life so far."

He removed his mortarboard briefly to reveal his dyed hair, adding that he often felt as if he didn't fit in. He said, though, that this last year, he enjoyed staying true to himself and finding his place in his class.

Fellow co-valedictorian Kale Oglesby thanked God, his parents and family, classmates and sports teammates for helping him succeed academically.

He ended his address with a Bible verse he reads daily for motivation.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23 and 24)."

Chaitlyn Stanley was recognized as salutatorian of the class.

Assistant Principal Cody Cusic honored Garrett Canimore and Madison Newton with awards for perfect attendance in all four years of high school.

Superintendent and Principal Ryan Hobbs also said the Class of 2018 has received a prestigious honor, which reflected the hardworking attitude of the seniors.

"Just this week, U.S. News and World Report announced our school was a Bronze School," Hobbs said. "it was the first time in our school history we've had that honor."

After lengthy applause, he continued.

"I think it says a lot about these graduates and this class," Hobbs said.

Co-valedictorian Kale Oglesby gives his commencement speech. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Eldorado High School administrators and school board members wait in the tunnel of Duff-Kingston Gymnasium prior to commencement starting. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Class of 2018 member Garrett Canimore offers a prayer to end the commencement ceremony. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Graduates from the Eldorado High School Class of 2018 toss their mortarboards at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Co-valedictorian Kale Oglesby gets a hug from his dad, Eldorado School Board President Keith Oglesby, while receiving his diploma Friday night. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Co-valedictorian Kale Oglesby walks to receive his diploma as salutatorian Chaitlyn Stanley, standing behind, and co-valedictorian Jordan Fricks, seated at left, applaud. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Co-valedictorian Jordan Fricks tells classmates not to be afraid to be true to themselves, and that each one of them has a place in life. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Members of the Class of 2018 listen to addresses at the commencement ceremony Friday night. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO
Eldorado High School Class of 2018's top three students stand at commencement. From left, co-valedictorians Jordan Fricks and Kale Oglesby and salutatorian Chaitlyn Stanley. TRAVIS DENEAL PHOTO