Malta High School graduates 34 students

"This is not the end. But it is perhaps the end of the beginning," Principal Scott King said reciting the motto of the 2015 graduating class of Malta High.

The mood was joyous at the 2015 Malta High School Graduation Ceremony held at the Malta High School Gymnasium. The bottom floor bleachers were nearly packed out as hundreds poured in minutes before commencement.

This year's class produced 34 graduates, each of which have been strong contributors to the school's history.

King started the ceremony, noting his belief that all of this year's graduates are ready for the next round of their lives.

"I believe your parents, our community and all of our public schools have prepared you well for this day," King said. "You are ready to meet the challenges on your next journey in life."

Salutatorian Josh Carrillo was up next to speak, giving thanks to all that have supported this year's class.

"Before I get to the speech I would like to give a giant thanks to everyone who has taught and supported us throughout our four years of high school," Carrillo said. "What you do is invaluable and deserves a round of applause."

He spoke clearly and eloquently as he delivered his speech entitled, Make those Fractions Count. Fractions meaning years.

His speech challenged not only his class but everyone listening to not take a moment for granted.

"But the point is to make those "fractions" count," Carrillo said. "Don't let a moment pass you by. Go out on a limb and try something new. Eat some bugs on a skewer in Thailand, go skydiving, or even switch up your brand of toothpaste."

Though Carrillo advised things that would make Fear Factor seem like a walk in the park, he made a valid point.

"The risks are always there, but the reward is that much better when it happens," he continued.

Carrillo has plans to go to Berkeley University of California, but that did not stop him from encouraging those who aren't going to continue their education next fall.

"No matter what your plans after high school are, there is one thing in common: a future to look forward to," Carillo said. "Some of us are going straight into the work force, some of us are going to college, and some of us are going to serve our country. There is no doubt in my mind that every single one of us has the potential to be successful and leave our mark in this world."

Valedictorian Kelsey Kuehn shared some of the same sentiment thanking all that have played a part in developing the lives of the 2015 graduating class.

Kuehn took a personalized approach to her speech naming past memories that she has been a part of with other members of the senior class.

"We have all had our moments of embarrassment and took turns getting made fun of for it," Kuehn said. "For instance, I wrecked on Quintan's Moped in third grade and still haven't heard the end of it."

After an icebreaker of jokes, Kuehn noted the various accomplishments of her graduating class.

"All together in these four years we have collected 13 District, 14 Divisional, 7 State trophies, as well as 76 Superior ratings at State music festival," Kuehn said. "That's a lot of hardware for one class! It has been an awesome ride."

She then focused on the present, through a wise, fictional animal.

"Since we are graduating today, we are receiving what seems like millions of graduation cards," Kuehn said. "I read one of them titled Advice from a Moose. Although it sounds weird, it is actually some good advice and I would like to share it with you. The moose says, 'Think big, spend time in the woods, eat plenty of greens, hold your head up high, stay on track, keep your nose clean and it's ok to be a little wild!' I think if we all focus on this advice from the wise mammal on this wonderful day, our next steps will be easier to accomplish."

Then focusing on the future, Kuehn noted that she didn't want to rush the future but couldn't wait until the 10 year reunion in 2025.

"It is exciting to think of everything we will accomplish as a group of alumni," Kuehn said. "Even though we are all going in different directions, our paths will continue to cross and the memories we share together will never be forgotten."

She ended her speech quoting Henry David Thoreau, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."