May 18, 2022 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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y Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901 ‘The Elk City Baseball team made recent history, go- ing undefeated in District 4A-4, being undefeated in Re- gionals, appearing in a State Tournament since 2004 and winning the first game in State Playoffs since 2001. They were defeated in the State Tournament with a five to six loss against Tuttle. The community followed the team, cel- ebrating their efforts every step of the way, either by a tending the games in person or by watching through Big- EIKTV. Seniors listen to each of the speakers, waiting to step forward to get their diplomas. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. By Sheryl Ponce eryDay,” accompanied by Lori Daubenspeck and directed by Jus- tin Ediger. They were followed by Senior Class President Vivek Sunday afternoon family, friends, and seniors gathered in the Pranabdev who addressed his classmates with a joke about being Pioneer Center Gym for the graduation ceremony of the Class of nervous. He also thanked his teachers, alumni, friends and family 2022. With standing room only, the supporters seemed anxious for being present, supporting the graduating seniors. He looked to watch their loved ones take the next step in their journey into back over the journey they have taken as a class, remembering life. their freshmen and sophomore years. As he began to talk about ‘The ceremony opened with Danni Sottile’s Salutatorian their senior year, he spoke about the successes and great memo- speech. She thanked everyone for being there, and she joked ries, Pranabdev challenged the juniors to have a special year and about keeping her speech short. She told her family how much make memories. she loves them and thanked them for supporting her. She spoke “At the beginning of this year, I really did not know ifI wanted to her teachers for always being there for her, letting her hang to be class president. Well, I'm here to say that I’m glad that I did out in their rooms. Sottile then turned to her classmates to talk this for this class. This class is nothing but the best. The support about how they have developed mentally and physically over the we have for each other is amazing. When we put our minds to something, you will get it done. I am proud to be in this class of 2022) STATE TENNIS past four years. She talked about procrastination and discovering CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022 and can’t wait to see what's in store for us,” he said. their interests. “Remember, nowhere and no matter where you are on the fu- ‘The last speaker for the ceremony was Valedictorian Madeline Elk City’s Carter Senger stands in third place ending the Benton. She started her speech with an apology for bad jokes, but state tournament. Courtesy photo. ture, find some time to procrastinate and to discover yourself a went on to say thank you to everyone there. She spoke of little bit more. Congratulations class of 2022,” she said. After Sottile’s speech the High School Ensemble sang “Ev- See Elk City Graduation page 2. Merritt Graduates Forty-Seven Seniors SS) 2022 stare’‘TENNIS Elk City’s Evan Senger tals bis place on the winners stand, comingin second in state. Courtesy photo. Fun in Elk City Include Trolley Rides, the Splash Merritt seniors are declared graduates and move their tassels to signify the change in their status from seniors to Pad, and Block Parties alumni. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. By Sheryl Ponce By Sheryl Ponce impact her classmates would have on her future. “It’s crazy to think that we spent so much time together over ‘The Elk City Chamber of Commerce announced that the Friday evening the Merritt community gathered to watch the the years and in a few hours it'll be a blast...We get to live each trolley will be available for rides, running from the five-plex class of 2022 walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. The day like it’s our last. I can’t wait to see what each and every one of ballfields to downtown on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. dur- program was opened by Senior Class President Jamie Peffer and us do in the near future. I pray you find everything you're look- ing summer ball season. It will run continuously for the public turned over to principal Don Bradshaw to introduce the speakers ing for in this big world and conquer all,” Peffer encouraged her to take a shopping break for baseball or softball spectators and for the evening. classmates. players. Salutatorian Taylor Ford stepped to the podium first, thank- Salutatorian Dayli Pollard talked about the many laughs, ‘The City of Elk City has opened the Splash Pad. It is set on ing the administration and the school for giving them the means achievements, personal bests, and school pictures they have a timer, running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Be- to succeed. She went on to thank her family for setting high ex- shared. cause the Aquatic Center is now under construction the Splash pectations for her and pushing her to want to achieve the best. “We're leaving behind our days together and looking forward Pad could be a good alternative to cool off throughout the sum- “I have grown up with most of you, and now we are set to to unknown opportunities. No one promises that the years to mer. go our separate ways. This school is all I’ve ever known, but I'm come will be easy, because I too am unsure of the future. How- ‘The summer Block Parties are also on the calendar. The first excited for the future ahead...This seems to be the end of this ever, I hope you grow through the pain. You are experienced and one kicks-off June 10 with a Local Hero’s Meet and Greet at 6 chapter. It is just the beginning of something so much bigger and have a life full of achievements. I hope you become the best ver- p.m., a car cruise from 8 p.m to 10 p.m., and live music starting grander,” Ford said. sion of yourself and choose kindness everyday. Live in the mo- at 7 p.m. ‘There will also be an opportunity to sign up for the ‘The next person to speak was Salutatorian Jamie Peffer. She ment and spend as many evenings as possible with the people Route 66 Pup, Run SK, along with the Corn Hole tournament recalled the first day she started going to Merritt and what an See Merritt Graduation page 2. See Trolley page 2. «LUE A Weather tomoray /66 Vol. 120, No. 41 75 cents, 10 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com