NEW Graduation Video and Images below!

Annika Brynn Wells

Graduation - June 9th, 2023
(6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

at Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon

Ashland High School (AHS)

Smith College (Smithie)

Proud Mom

My Daughter!

Memo From Mom's Desk

Family and Friends!

Our family was never at a loss for words. With that said, Annika Brynn Wells delivers her Valedictorian speech at Ashland High School's commencement at the Lithia Park Bandshell located in Ashland Oregon this June 9th beginning at 6:00 PM PST. Eight graduation cords will be adorned representing her triumphs of excellence as she delivers her poignant, yet powerful valedictorian speech.

Annika's interest in track and cross country began with her first 5k run with Mom in second grade propelling her forward to run as a "Smithie" by achieving a well earned grant to attend the prestigious Smith College beginning this September in Massachusetts. This August, Annika and I will fly her back east to college.

In servitude, as the main coordinator for the Ashland Oregon High School Peace Club, Annika "self-funded" last year's Peru and this year's Portugal trip all by selling coffee while working as a summer lifeguard and winter ice-skating rink Ashland city employee these past two years. Annika leaves June 17th for Portugal.

We wanted our family and friends to share in our excitement and celebration of Annika's High School accomplishments while wishing the best towards her future collegiate endeavors back east.

~ Love, Holly Jo Bergquist (Mom)

P.S. We hope to post a link later to video from the event if you cannot make it in person.

Then

Annika's first 5k Run - Second Grade
(Running for Mom)

Now!

Annika running an 800 - Senior Year
(Running for Smith College in September)

Eight - Graduation Cords

Girls in S.T.E.M.
Southern Oregon University
Orchestra
National Honor Society
Interact Club
Key Club
Math Honor Society
Valedictorian

Peru

Peace Club Trip 2022

Amazing Annika!

Last days as a Senior

Portugal

Peace Club Trip 2023
Leaves June 17th!

Recognition as Valedictorian

Valedictorian Speech

Receiving Diploma

Official Cap Toss

Annika's Valedictorian Speech

Ashland High School 2023 - Lithia Park Band Shell - Ashland, Oregon - June 09, 2023

I am honored to stand before you today as we celebrate the culmination of our time at Ashland High School. Thank you to all those who supported us in reaching this moment. I want to begin by saying how proud I am to be a part of the class of 2023. The graduates sitting beside me represent the future, and I mean it when I say that we are in good hands.

As we reflect on the past four years and embrace the uncertainty of what comes next, I can't help but think about how much we have achieved. When I hear the word "achievement", my mind first goes to trophies, ribbons, or titles. Just as important, however, are the intangible. For a long time, I struggled with attaching my own self-worth and identity to my tangible accomplishments. This may be something that many of you relate to in one way or another. I felt that my value was tied to the activities that I was involved in or the grades I received in my classes. Yet, the most joyous and momentous memories that I have from the past few years have nothing to do with earning a high grade on a test.

When I think about the moments when I was happiest, I think of shared experiences. I think of very sweaty school dances, cheering on my teammates at track meets, or spending my lunches in club meetings with my friends. Moments like these are what shape us, and together we have grown.

As you reflect on your own achievements and accomplishments, remember the intangible. These are the things that have made us who we are, continue to shape our character, and will help us succeed long past graduation. The qualities that make up our identities - kindness, resilience, curiosity, whatever it may be cannot be measured in grades or ribbons. Success is not only about an end goal, but also who you become in the process. Be proud of your achievements, but do not let them define you.

Congratulations class of 2023!

Graduation Images

Certificates

Math Honors

Kiwanis Honors

Orchestra Honors

COMING SOON!
National Honor Society
(Co-President)

Rosie Bear Graduates!

At age two, Annika wanted only one thing for Christmas. She kept talking about it! I found her an oversized bear and gave it to her for Christmas. She opened her present and raised up her hands; Hallelujah!

Last night after graduation, I put Annika's regalia, cords and gown, on Rosie Bear while she attended the overnight graduation party at Mt. Ashland. This morning she apparently had found her graduation cap in the chaos of the end-of-ceremony and placed it along with the diploma on Rosie Bear!

You must know that this bear was almost left behind forever as we simply did not have the room on our exodus to Washington state. Yet, Annika at age seven, found a way. She secretly hid Rosie in my giant empty armoire.

As a Mom, I did not know this creative problem-solving solution until this year proving that Annika finds a way! To this day she finds a way to reach her dreams whether moving a giant plush bear to being accepted to a prestigious college back east.

Congratulations to both Rosie Bear and Annika.

Love, Mom!

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