Find your 'sherpa': Wisdom from Dexter's top achievers ceremony

A ceremony was held Monday at Dexter High School to recognize the top 10% of each graduating class.

Since 1984, the Dexter Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with DHS to host a “Top 10% Ceremony” which recognizes students for their dedication, perseverance and exceptional academic achievements.

During the welcoming, DHS Principal Eric Boles said, “The ceremony was created to recognize and celebrate the students who rank in the Top 10%. I want to express my gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing support and for honoring some of Dexter’s finest students.”

Tyler Miller, 2012 DHS salutatorian, was the honored guest and speaker. Addressing the crowd, Miller said, “All but three people who have climbed Mount Everest have one thing in common. They were aided, helped, guided or led by a sherpa person.”

It was learned Sherpas are a widely known Nepalese ethnic group who live in high elevation and are famed for their outstanding climbing skills. A “sherpa,” uncapitalized, means a trek or expedition worker.

“Whatever you choose to do in life you need to find a sherpa person,” Miller said. “Someone who has gone before you that is wiser than you, someone that has been in your shoes before... that wants what’s best for you. You need to surround yourself with people like that. Find sherpa people and position yourself to where you can go on and help people coming after you.”

In closing, Miller said, “My one piece of advice is to go find a sherpa person, and go be a sherpa person.”

Seniors honored were: Averee Ackman, Eric Avery, Lawson Blocker, Marlie Hatton, Kaylynn Haws, Caden Lee, Puja Maisura, Fisher Menley, Isabella Pittman, Avery Riley, Madison Sutton, Essabella Voss, Cali White, and Cooper Worley.

Juniors honored were: Skyler Baird, Merideth Benton, Cadence Buenaventura, Serina Churchill, Klaire Essner, Haley Miller, Houston Neely, Malia Polley, Ava Schaefer, Eli Scott, Mattie Thompson, and Elijah Whiteman.

Sophomores honored: Grace Barbour, Eliza Burns, Samuel Gill, William Guethle, Dylan Harris, Kayleigh Hilfiker, Walker Jarrell, Justus Lovelady, Quincey Mclaughlin, Mauriona Menley, Kyle Rangel, and Abigail Terry.

Freshman honored: Annslee Ackman, Sidney Booker, Emma Brannan, Katelynn Chappell, Jacob Feece, Fatima Gonzalez, Melody Jarrell, Sadie Long, Lanie Mills, Emily Moore, Adriannah Owens, Rylee Short, Jack Smith, Kyleigh Wilson, and Sophia Wunderlich.