This June, the 14th to be exact, is the day seniors have been looking forward to: graduation. As students celebrate their high school career, speeches will be given by students to highlight the excellence of the Sage Creek class of 2018. Among the 321 students, three — Gisselle Ortiz, Chloe McGovern and Tyler Jung — are speaking to students, staff and loved ones during the last hoorah.

In addition to the class of 2018, a special recognition will be given to the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class. At the assembly last week, the valedictorian and salutatorian were announced; the valedictorian is Brendan Drury, who will graduate with a GPA of 4.51, while salutatorian is Tyler Jung with a GPA of 4.3. Drury enrolled in a total of 10 AP classes throughout his high school career and Jung nine. Both will attend UCLA in the fall.

Drury is excited to see the class off on June 14 and hopes to stay in touch with his friends over the years.

“I feel great! I have loved the opportunities presented to me at Sage Creek, and can’t wait to see where my studies at UCLA take me,” Drury said, in response to his crowning achievement.

During graduation, being chosen to talk is a strenuous process. Students had to write their speech, memorize it and present to a panel of teachers who took notes and criticized their speech. Shannon Alberts spearheaded the committee that chose the speakers.

“We look for something that’s appropriate for the occasion, something that’s relevant and suitable …” Alberts said. Speeches should be “about formality and reflecting on the growth” of high school and the exciting new path ahead.

Graduation is shaping up to be a legendary event, so be sure to attend to say goodbye to the second graduating class of Sage Creek!