The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

The village of Dalton was surging with activity Saturday as family and friends gathered to witness Leyton High School seniors moving on to their next stage in life. The gymnasium was decorated with memories from each of the graduates: the frolicking fun-times, the academic achievements and the athletic records. There were random photos of students growing from the elementary years to the high school classes.

The event started with the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" entry for seniors, the welcome to family and friends, followed by a video presentation on the class's history.

There is the quote attributed to African lore: "It takes a whole village to raise a child." The quote was paraphrased Saturday to acknowledge the influence of the Dalton-Gurley Leyton community.

"Our village has raised us to be the Warriors we are today," said Salutatorian Janessa Carley.

She encouraged graduates to "never give up on your dreams," and remember to always be connected to small town Nebraska.

"I'm going to miss walking the halls with all of you," she said.

Leyton's Valedictorian is Danielle Higgins. She thanked the teachers, the teachers, friends, parents and families, for their encouragement and support. Class sponsors were recognized for their guidance of the class.

"Thank you for putting up with us the last four years," she said to the class sponsors.

She addressed the closeness she felt as part of the Leyton Schools Warrior community.

"Growing up I always considered our class a family," she said.

She offered the Class of 2019 two wishes: 1) Be the best self you can be, believe in yourself; 2) "I wish for each of you to remember you can be many things, but be kind." She said kindness can be the light that brightens another person's day.

"One of the most monumental moments of our lives is coming to an end," she said. "Class of 2019, we did it! Congratulations!" Higgins said.

Jill Bartling gave the message to the class. She offered the illustration of like being like a bag.

"Each of your bags are unique and can be filled up," she said.

She said up to this point, the students have been filling their bags with memories of the first 18 years, and now they are experiencing another first: the next stage of life.

"My hope for you is to fill your bag with as many memories as you can, but remember your experiences started here in Leyton," she said.

She said the difference between school and life is in school you are given lessons in preparation for the test. In life, you learn lessons through tests.