Farewell, Class of 2023!

In this article by Aylah Graves, she will review the years of the GPHS class of 2023, recognize seniors and say farewell as they graduate.

Farewell, class of 2023!

By Aylah Graves

As the year comes to an end, so does the high school career of the Class of 2023. Their four years have been filled with trials and triumphs, celebrations and losses. The GPHS class of 2023 has experienced the effects of online school, hybrid learning, wearing masks at school, tragedies, state championships, Tiktok trends, wins and losses, and so much more. It has been an eventful four years.

There have been several records broken and many accomplishments made this year by some of our GPHS 2023 seniors. This year, senior Jacob Pirosko broke and set a new record on the GPHS swim team. He won the 200-yard free in 1:47.02 minutes. He also won the 100-yard backstroke in 58.55. His name is recorded on the record wall in the Heater-Newman gymnasium. Another senior, Parker Jarvis, broke a long-held record. He threw a shot 60 feet, 6 and ¾ inches. This broke the 59-year-old record of 56 feet and 6 inches. Senior Rebekah Lidey was selected to receive the OSU presidential scholarship. This scholarship is the most competitive scholarship that OSU offers. This was a major accomplishment for Bekah. The Academic Master's was won by several GPHS seniors, as well, such as Isaiah Williams, who took first place in the math division. Mason Sheard and Ari Huber Kantola took first in the Welding State Competition. While this has been a year of challenge, it has also been one of great success and many additional achievements were made by the class of 2023.

Photo Credits: @GPSD7 Instagram. Parker Jarvis, Shot-put record holder

Photo Credits: @gphs.swim Instagram, Jacob Pirosko official swim record break.

It is valuable to learn from those that come before us and hear their perspectives so that it may change us for the better. Senior valedictorian Paige Pastrell gave some advice as a graduating 2023 senior. She says, “ Do not let your grades define you, whether they are good or bad. They don’t dictate who you are as a person and the worth that you have.” It is important to try to succeed in academics, but those are not the defining factors of who you are or what you are worth. Another graduating 2023 senior, Sarah Wiltrout, shares her advice: “Find a balance between hard work and fun. These four years go by fast. Hard work pays off and you only go through high school once.” It is important to be present in these years and make the most out of every experience.

Photo Credits: 2023 Senior Prom Announcement, @gphs.national.honor.society Instagram

There have been many memorable events that have taken place for seniors this year. Whether it was prom, Friday Night Lights, Senior Sunrise... and sunset, or the memorable BBQ at lunch in the senior parking lot for senior David Hang's birthday, this year has been fun. Paige Pastrell shares what she felt was the best part of her high school career:“ The best things of senior year were making new memories with friends and creating closer relationships with teachers. I would say to get to know your teachers because it will make the class more enjoyable and keep you more engaged. The teachers want to get to know you and help you. They really appreciate it when you reach out and get to know them.” It is safe to say that the seniors have made long-lasting impacts on the students and community of Grants Pass. They have taught us and inspired us to strive for greatness. They have laughed and cried with us and taught us how to correctly walk in the halls. The class of 2023 has changed us.

As we watch them move on to whatever they will do next, we will expect amazing news from them. They will change their world for the better. We will look up to them to learn who we should be. Farewell, Grants Pass High School Class of 2023. We will miss you.

Photo Credits: Malachi Kinyon, Kain Robinsyn, Raiden Takahashi, and Parker Jarvis on Senior signing day, committing to different colleges, @gp_caveman_football Instagram

Sources:

Interview with Paige Pastrell
Interview with Sarah Wiltrout

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