CHS Class of 2019 valedictorian Grace Abraham was presented with the honored Liske Cup at the culmination of Saturday’s graduation ceremonies, held at Wildcat Stadium.

Despite several days of heavy thunderstorms forecast to continue through the weekend, the rain held off until late that afternoon, sending in its place gusty 20-mph winds that intermittently blew out the microphone at the speakers’ podium, and threatened to lift the graduates’ caps skyward prematurely.

Despite those challenges, the class processed, a prayer was led by Payton Collier, and Casen Cavelier welcomed visitorswho nearly filled the home stands. Salutatorian Tess Sawyer exhorted her classmates, in the words of Mrs. Jones, to “go out and burn the books,” before bringing virtually everyone to tears with a tribute to her twin sister, Kylie, who missed being co-salutatorian by a fraction of a fraction of a point, and who, Tess said, “should be standing here today in my place.”

Valedictorian Grace Abraham reveled in memories of youth, saying, “Everything we need to know to succeed, we learned in the hallways of Canadian ISD.”

“Looking out, I see future teachers, doctors, lawyers, mechanics, engineers, and electricians,” she said. “Collectively, the impact we will leave on the world is monumental. It’s our turn to give back.”

“We have endured many hardships,” Grace said, “and have grown stronger because of them. As we have gone through this last couple of years, that strength has grown into one that is substantial enough for each of us to thrive individually.”

Following her address, the top-10 students were presented with plaques, after which the Class of ‘19 collected their diplomas from CISD board members Cody Culwell, Kathy Dumbauld, Rudy Godino, Landon Landry, Andy Orrell, Larry Smith, and Courtney Trolinger; and from Superintendent Kyle Lynch.

Members of the class had already been awarded $563,000 in scholarships, including $228,234 in local scholarships presented during a May 22 scholarship luncheon.

After the graduates returned to their seats, Lynch announced the recipient of the prestigious 2019 Liske Cup, which is named after pioneer businessman Albert Paul Liske.

“Liske was one of the movers and shakers who accelerated the progress of Canadian in an effort to promote business,” Lynch said. “He founded the Liske Grain Company and became a prominent businessman in the Eastern Panhandle. In 1930, the Liske Grain Company offered a beautiful trophy to the best all-around student at Canadian High School.”

The Liske Cup winner is selected by a committee of high school teachers and administrators. The criteria for the award are scholarship, leadership, citizenship, attitude, and sportsmanship. Participation in school activities and academic achievement is very important in selecting the winner.

“The 90th winner of the Liske Cup exhibits all of these qualities in abundance, and does so with grace and humility,” Lynch said.

Before presenting the award, Lynch cited the recipient’s strong leadership; election to class office; as well as leadership in Student Council, Spanish Club, SADD, and Spirit Club.

“She also participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities during her four years at CHS, including tennis, band, debate, and multiple UIL academic events,” he said. “She was a two-year cheerleader, serving as a cheer captain her senior year. Additionally, she has been very active in theatre, participating in our community dinner theatre and CHS One-Act Play, where she was a four-year cast member.”

“She is hardworking, intelligent, and highly motivatedall ingredients of success. I am proud to award the 2019 Liske Cup to Miss Grace Abraham.”

The formal ceremony concluded with a benediction by Jordan Cochran and an audience-assisted recessional, as the Class of 2019 adjourned to the center of the stadium, formed a circle around the C, and—finally—set their gold-tassled caps free to float on the wind as their families and friends cheered.

PHOTOS BY LAURIE EZZELL BROWN | THE CANADIAN RECORD