2018 Lost River High School Senior Class Signs to 9 Different Colleges
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22 Students from Lost River High School commit to college. Image: Samantha Tippler, Klamath County School District
All 22 students in Lost River Jr./Sr. High School’s Class of 2018 are headed to university, college or other post-secondary education. The school and community celebrated with a National Signing Event on Tuesday. Families, community members, staff and students watched as the seniors signed on to their futures after high school.
“It’s a life changing experience,” said senior Lalo Murillo. “Wow, this is really happening? I can’t believe we made it this far. The excitement’s just building up.”
“I think it’s cool that at a small school we get to recognize everybody going to college,” said senior Allison Grounds.
The event included speeches and college representatives congratulating the seniors and welcoming them to the next big step.
“Through a lot of really hard work, our seniors have been accepted to 30 and will sign on to 9 different colleges and universities,” said Jen Johnson, Lost River ASPIRE coordinator. “Seniors, your family, school and community are very proud of you for your hard work and your commitment to your futures.”
“Your decision to advance your education will be one of the most significant decisions of your life,” said Roberto Gutierrez, president of Klamath Community College and keynote speaker at Wednesday’s event. “I strongly congratulate you for making the decision to continue your education. This decision will have positive ramifications, not only for you, but for your future spouse and children.”
22 Students from Lost River High School commit to college. Image: Samantha Tippler, Klamath County School District
College plans
Students in the Class of 2018 is going on to a variety of post-secondary education. Twelve signed on to KCC, two to Western Oregon University, two to the College of Cosmetology, one to Blue Mountain Community College, one to Montana State University, one to Oregon State University, one to Willamette University and one to George Fox University.
Murillo, 18, held the crowd in suspense on Wednesday, deciding between Pitzer College in Clermont, Calif., and Lewis & Clark College in Portland. Both have strong liberal arts programs, which he thinks will make a good foundation for his plans to study medicine or pediatrics.
“I plan to someday open a clinic in Malin, help the members of my community,” he said.
In the end he chose Lewis & Clark, to cheers and claps from a gym full of onlookers. He received enough scholarships to completely pay for his college – a full ride.
Grounds, 18, also received big scholarships from her college of choice, Willamette University. She received more than $30,000 in scholarships and grants. She plans to study law.
“I’ve always liked being able to stand up for people who feel like they don’t have a voice,” Grounds said. “Doing law makes me feel like I can do that.”
22 Students from Lost River High School commit to college. Image: Samantha Tippler, Klamath County School District
Setting an example
This was the second annual Signing Day event at Lost River. Last year Grounds, Murillo and their fellow students watched 34 students in the Class of 2017 sign on to their colleges and military service. This year, the Class of 2018 set the example for those coming after them.
“Today is not only for the class of these seniors,” Johnson said. “It is for each and every class here. From the Class of 2019 to the Class of 2023, if you have the drive and perseverance that these seniors have, you will be sitting here in front of us before you know it.”
Lost River Jr./Sr. High School Class of 2018:
- Lewis & Clark College:
- Eduardo “Lalo” Murillo
- George Fox University:
- Rachel Parks
- Montana State University:
- Chelsea O’Grady
- Willamette University:
- Allison Grounds
- Western Oregon University:
- Ryley Beyerlin
- Zak Girtman
- Oregon State University:
- Hannah McAuliffe
- Blue Mountain Community College:
- Zayne Humphrey
- College of Cosmetology:
- Sarah Nava
- Beatriz Serrato
- Sarah Nava
- Klamath Community College:
- Raelene Barrows
- Karina Cazarez
- Skyler Buller
- Saul Cobian
- Josue Cobian
- Omar Garcia
- Isabella Gonzalez
- Jesus Leon
- Marcus Mantanona
- Brian Ramirez
- Juan Carlos Roman
- Jaime Diaz
Press release provided by Klamath County School District.
A Lost River Senior commits to college. Image by Samantha Tippler, KCSD.
Edwardo "Lalo" Murillo celebrates his signing with Lewis and Clark College. Image, Samantha Tippler, KCSD.
Rachel Parks and Chelsea O' Grady pose for a photo after committing to their colleges. Image, Samantha Tippler, KCSD.