WHHS sends newest grads into new phase of life at graduation
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, and live the life you have imagined.”Those were the final words of Brandi Scott, one of five West Holmes High School valedictorians at West Holmes’ 2010 graduation day on Saturday, May 29.
Tears, shouts of joy and achieving a major accomplishment in every teenagers life were a big part of the 2010 West Holmes High School graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. at West Holmes High School. A total of 159 seniors strode proudly past the podium to receive their diplomas, and in doing so, walked from one phase of their lives into a whole new world.
The event featured five class valedictorians, including Annie Jaeb, Brant Miller, Bethany Molar, Bryce Norman and Brandi Scott. Each gave their own unique look back on years past, and their hopes of the coming future.
As is the case with almost every class, spending years growing up together has led to many memories. Whether it was goofing around in the classroom, shedding tears of compassion, participating together in sports, performing arts or in FFA, or simply being part of a group which grew closer together each year of their six years in middle school and high school, the memories they take with them from the experience will serve as a foundation for the rest of their lives.
“Class of 2010, I hope all of you will go out and make a small difference in our world,” said Jaeb. “Collectively, as a whole, our efforts will most certainly improve the world as we know it. The way we treat others and the way we decide to deal with conflict will carry on to the generation after us. My grandmother once told me that you can only do your part in your corner of the world, and that must be good enough.”
Jaeb urged her fellow classmates to go into the world and give of themselves, volunteering their talents and time where there is great need, and making their respective communities better places to live by adding value to the people and businesses around them.
Miller wondered in his speech what it is that motivates today’s graduates to want to succeed. For Miller, his parents played a driving role in helping him to understand what it takes to be successful, and motivating him to strive to be the best at whatever he did. He also gave credit to the teachers of West Holmes School District, who motivated their students on a daily basis to dedicate themselves to getting great grades. But Miller said that in the end, he believes that motivation for each graduate’s future must come from within.
“I value the idea of rising above normal expectations to push me where I need to go,” said Miller. “Our class is a great example of this. I’ve been inspired countless times by witnessing my classmates not stopping at the norm, but rather exceeding the accepted average. The class of 2010 is not one bit ordinary, but rather extraordinary.”
Molnar said it was time to say goodbye and move into the next phase of life, but looked back admiringly at the many circumstances which have helped shape the graduates throughout the years.
“Being a graduate of West Holmes means learning things like reading, writing and arithmetic, but we have learned so much more,” said Molnar. “We’ve learned about support, dedication and hard work. What better way to learn support than at sporting events, concerts, plays, or helping a friend in need. And the athletes, actors and performers needed to put the time and dedication in, just as we had to do in our studies. These experiences have prepared us for a life which is waiting for us outside of these doors.”
Norman said that as the graduates move on into the new life of adulthood, life may not always be easy. However, learning from mistakes and successes, growing in knowledge and not letting tough times get you down will help give direction in life.
“No matter where your path is taking you, or no matter what you end up doing, always soak up all the information you can, because that’s how we grow, and it helps us get through hard times,” said Norman. “At some point in life, hard times will arise, but remember that there is always a new day, and that the obstacles you overcome today will shape you into the person you are tomorrow. Graduation is not the end, it is a new beginning.”
Scott put the wraps on the valedictorian speeches by looking back fondly at how much they had grown throughout the years.
“We were so young and totally unaware of how quickly life would fly by,” said Scott. “We went into middle school not knowing what to expect, but look at where we are now. Six years later, we are receiving our diplomas heading off to see what the future will bring. We go into the future not really knowing what to expect from here on out. Even with all of our preparation, there is still an uncertainty.”
As the graduates received their diplomas, and following the pomp and circumstance of participating in the rite of tossing their mortar boards skyward, the former West Holmes seniors marched bravely out of the gymnasium and into a brand new life.