PALESTINE — Four speakers into Westwood High School’s graduation Friday night, salutatorian Louis Kavetski’s stepped to the podium for his turn to speak.
“It’s amazing to see how we’ve grown together and the boys and girls of Westwood have now become the men and women of tomorrow,” he began.
“I’ve enjoyed my years at Westwood and one reason was because of the pranks and mischief my brother and I committed because we’re identical twins. With that said, Louis, come on up here and finish your speech.”
The startled crowd watched as David Kavetski, who was portraying his brother, switched cords with the real Louis Kavetski. The twins graduated numbers two and three in their class.
“I’m thankful for my friends and supporters here at Westwood and I’ll remember all the good times we made,” the salutatorian said. “Now we’re set to go out in the world and make our mark.”
The salutatorian address was followed by valedictorian Alexandria Bass’ speech.
Bass, who is attending Baylor in the fall, talked about her freshman year at Westwood, a year that helped her learn lessons for the future.
“Ironically I failed my very first high school exam which was in English,” Bass said. “It helped open my eyes.”
Bass addressed her mistakes and those of others, focusing on the importance of learning from them.
“Success can only go as far as you allow it,” Bass said. “You have to know who you are or at least learn who you are.
“We can define who we are.”
Bruce Smith opened the speeches with one of his own addressing the faculty.
“It is not only the teachers that have helped us grow but the coaches and band directors as well,” Smith said. “What we have learned from all of them is teamwork and how friends can become family.”
Westwood saw a total of 94 students graduate at Panther Stadium.
————
Sally Sexton can be reached via e-mail at sports@palestineherald.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
SALLY SEXTON
Discussion
Westwood speakers encourage classmates
- Local News
-
-
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
The City of Palestine Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the first full season for the Reagan Park Spray Ground with an public opening event this Saturday.
-
Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
Bluegrass bands from across the country will descend upon the Grapeland area this week for the 16th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival, opening today and continuing through Sunday at Salmon Lake Park.
-
Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
-
Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
Steps of Faith Dance Center will hold its annual production at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palestine Civic Center.
“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” -
Chamber sets photo contest
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking shutterbugs to participate in its second annual photo contest — portraying structures, landmarks and memorable locations in the Palestine/Anderson County area.
-
Memorial Day celebration set Saturday
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3907 will hold a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday featuring barbecue, live music, an auction and more.
-
Longview man injured in motorcycle wreck
A Longview man remained in fair condition in a Tyler hospital Monday following a one-vehicle motorcycle wreck Friday near Montalba on Texas 19.
-
Traffic stop leads to arrest
A Palestine man remained in jail Monday on drug-related charges following a suspicious vehicle stop in Anderson County on Saturday.
According to Sheriff Greg Taylor, while on patrol in the early morning hours on Saturday, deputy Johnny Gorden saw a suspicious vehicle sitting on the side of U.S. 287 between Palestine and Elkhart. -
Residents urged to welcome back local troops on Wednesday
Palestine area residents are asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Community invited to welcome back National Guard troops
The community is asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
