Addison twins lead their 2016 class

Jacob and Michael Addison, twin sons of Cliff and Paula Addison, finished their high school careers Sunday afternoon as the top two graduates of the 55-member South Harrison Class of 2016.

Jacob was the valedictorian of the class, while Michael was the salutatorian.

The brothers began life together but will go their separate ways after graduation. Jacob has enrolled at Park University in Parkville, Missouri, while Michael will make the trek to Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville.

High School Principal Mark Forster said Michael was ahead of Jacob in class rankings at the last grade check, but Jacob pulled ahead at the end to become valedictorian by only .0057th of a point over his brother.

The other top ten percent of the class were Rebecca Prest, third ranked; Jeremiah Price, fourth; Mariah Stanley, fifth, and Aleah Squires, sixth.

In his valedictory speech, Jacob Addison urged his classmates to be their own person and “not to care about what people think about you.”

“We have taken our own unique paths to graduation,” he said. He pointed out that Luke Skywalker of “Star Wars” fame wanted to be a “moisture farmer” before becoming a Jedi knight.

“You should be like Luke and go out and save the galaxy,” he told his classmates.

Jacob said he would be studying information and computer science at Park with the intention of becoming an information system analyst.

Kiana Bennett, the president of the senior class, welcomed the audience to the school’s 128th commencement.

“I enjoyed growing up with every one of you over the past 13 years from pre-school to senior,” Kiana told her classmates.

Alisha Kelim, a former Ridgeway and South Harrison teacher who lives with her husband David and three children in North Dakota, was the commencement speaker.

Mrs. Kelim, who is a school librarian in North Dakota, urged members of the class to “choose happiness” in their lives and “to take time to enjoy each and every day.”

She added, “Make it a goal to help someone every day.”

In a new tradition, members of the class circulated through the gymnasium to present flowers to their mothers and loved ones.

Principal Forster presented college preparatory awards to Jacob and Michael Addison, Heather Miller, Rebecca Prest, Jeremiah Price and Mariah Stanley.

The senior choir, accompanied by vocal teacher Staci Harvey on piano and Shessie Martin on guitar, presented the song “7 Years.”

Dr. Jack McCall, president of the Board of Education, presented diplomas to members of the graduating class.

After the senior slide show, the audience joined in singing the school song, “Once again here as school mates assemble . . .”