B7 Celebrates Nine Graduates

Shane Simkins was ready for his graduation from high school but certainly didn’t expect his last few months at Dixie High School would be spent online rather than in the classroom with his friends and fellow students. But online study hasn’t been too bad, states the tall look-alike son of Randy and Sharlan Simkins, because at home, “I can study whenever I feel the urge!”  

While he waits for the possibility he’ll get to don his cap and gown for some kind of ceremony – probably virtual – he works as a floater between the two Riggatti’s Pizza locations – one on Main Street in St. George and the other, where he spends most of his time, is on Telegraph Road in Washington City.

His future will most certainly include time on the campus of Dixie State University, where he will attend for free because his dad is on the faculty.  He is also anxiously awaiting a time when coronavirus is no longer frontpage news in every country in the world so he can submit mission papers.

Melissa Larson, third of Aaron and Rebecca Larson’s five amazing kids, put on her cap and gown and took her walk to collect her high school diploma on Wednesday, April 29.  Although the auditorium was empty except for her parents, a few teachers, and Bishop Mike Bair who announced her name, she put on her usual happy face to relish in this important moment in her life.  “My time in high school didn’t end the way I expected,” she notes.  “I’m a little sad at not being able to spend the last few weeks with my friends because of the coronavirus pandemic, but I have happy memories and lots of good friends.”

Calling her time as a Dixie Flyer “some of my best years … with some of my worst moments thrown in,” Melissa, known as “Mo” by her family, lists “playing cello in the school orchestra and making wonderful, supportive friends along the way” as some of her happiest memories.  Being selected as one of 24 valedictorians in the Class of 2020, is also a perk for her hard work and focus.  This recognition is based on her 4.0 gpa, concurrent enrollment and/or advanced placement (AP) classes and high marks on her ACT.  “I'm one out of 24 … but, we’re all #1,” a comment she accentuates with her typical Melissa laugh.

What does her future hold?  She will continue working at The Meadows Assisted Living Center until school starts in the fall.  With a fullride scholarship at Dixie State University, she plans to attend at least one semester before submitting mission papers.  Upon her return from the mission field, she will likely transfer to Utah State University or Utah Valley University for the balance of her education. 

Sidenote:  Aaron and Rebecca's oldest daughter Elizabeth Larson also graduated this week.  A student in deaf education, Liz received her Bachelor of Arts degree from USU.   

Jordan Matthews, oldest of Marty and Traci Fae Matthews three children, has the next couple of years of his life all planned out.  After graduation from Dixie High School he will work for as long as it takes with his dad – aka Marty Matthews Construction – until he receives a mission call and enters the MTC for what he expects will be an amazing experience teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Lord’s children somewhere in the world. 

In the meantime, Jordan’s happiest memory of his three years in high school happened only a few weeks ago.  On Leap Day, 2020 (otherwise known as February 29) Dixie High School’s basketball team – on which Jordan plays small forward – won the UHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship, beating out Sky View High School (Smithfield, UT) with a winning score of 62-59!  

Two weeks later – on March 13, 2020 - Jordan and the other 35,000+ students in the Washington County School District, began homeschooling online when Utah Governor Gary Herbert ordered residents from Brigham City to Blanding and Salt Lake City to St. George to shelter-in-place as protection against COVID-19!  

Tyler Walden, youngest of Matt and Robin Walden’s two sons and 7th of James and Linda Walden's 13 grandkids currently serving an at-home mission in the Southgate Stake, stepped through the “D” to become one of 330 graduates of Dixie High School's Class of 2020.  Aside from his parents, the auditorium of the school where he has spent the last three years was empty, but when his name was announced over the microphone by DHS Vice Principal / Athletic Director and former B7 Ward Bishop Mike Bair, it was as official as if the room was filled with cheering fans.

Tyler is used to cheering fans. As a safety and receiver on the Dixie Flyers football team, he has twice been chosen for the All State football team.  He also earned a place on the High Honors roll in his senior year with a 3.8 gpa. During all of this success, his only sad memory was losing out on his last season of track.

Tyler received two football scholarships but plans to focus his attention on academics as a student at Dixie State University on a partial scholarship.  He will begin his General Education studies in the fall of 2020.

Tecia Clem, second-to-the-youngest of Dennis and Peggy Clem's four kids, was extremely excited to have her name announced on the microphone by Dixie High School Vice Principal / Athletic Director and her former Bishop Mike Bair.  This adorable DHS Flyer was also giddy over the opportunity to walk through the “D” while this momentous milestone was videotaped for Mom and Dad waiting anxiously at home. Tecia’s future is undecided at the moment, but she is assured she will always be cared for by her loving family.  

Iris Zeidner, daughter of Bloomington residents Chris and Jennifer Zeidner, has had a memorable and exciting three years as a Dixie Flyer including being part of the 42-woman Dixie High School Jetettes drill team, which brought home the state 4A championship Friday, January 31, 2020.  For the 3^rd state championship win in 5 years, the Jetettes swept first place in all three categories (dance, military and character) at the statewide competition held on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem.   

Based on her overall academic achievement, Iris also earned one of the coveted 24-spots as a class valedictorian among 330 graduates in the ill-fated – but destined to make a difference in the world - Class of 2020.

She is now off to Ithaca, NY where she will attend the prestigious, ivy-league Cornell University, which has only a 13% acceptance rate.  This talented young woman has already been selected to perform with Cornell’s dance team while she studies for a career in whatever she wants to do with her life!

This year's graduates also include Alexia Lancaster, oldest of Jack and Angelica Lancaster's three daughters; Stephanie Bartruff, daughter of Laynce and Brooke Bartruff; and, Nathalie Bradbury, oldest daughter of Collin and Stephanie Bradbury.

Congratulations to all these amazing and smart young men and women.