Summit grads appreciate 'simple gifts' of the world

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), May 31, 2003

LEHI -- Summit High School graduates know the importance of simple gifts in a complicated world.

" 'Tis the gift to be simple; 'Tis the gift to be free; 'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,' " read the lyrics to Joseph Brackett Jr.'s 1848 Shaker song, which served as Friday's graduation program theme.

For the 16 graduates, Summit High School was the right place to be after years of hardship and sometimes abuse, said Principal Doug Nielsen.

"Our graduates inspire us," Nielsen said. "Almost all of them have had unbelievable challenges and circumstances in their lives. When you see them claw and fight through -- it is just a privilege to work with them."

Summit services 100 students from the Alpine School District who are considered "at-risk." Many of them attended the graduation ceremony, which doubled as an awards assembly.

"It's a pretty happy, grateful group," Nielsen said.