5/29/11 2011 West Holmes Graduates "interesting", "unique"
SUMMARY: 'Troublesome' class has bright future, Valedictorians sayThe West Holmes High School class of 2011 shared fond memories and a bright look to the future Saturday May 29.
The 172 graduates had the reputation of being “troublemakers”, Valedictorian Jessica Rohr said, known for starting food fights in junior high and refusing to line up alphabetically. But Rohr said the class has much to be proud of, and much still to do.
“I encourage you not to rest on our past accomplishments,” Rohr said. “Deep within we have unspoken fears...but the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Valedictorian Lindsy Snyder reflected on the road her class has taken to graduation, a journey that started 4,661 days ago in Kindergarten.
“Follow your dreams, work hard, and remember the past 4,661 days,” Snyder said. “(They) have prepared us for the rest of our lives.”
Also reflecting back, Valedictorian Logan Mullet said the class has not gotten where it is today on its own. Without the support of the schools and community “we wouldn’t have so many honor society members” and other achievements, Mullet said.
Valedictorian Sarah White read the poem “Life can be ungrateful” to illustrate all that lies before the class.
“As we come together today (I) encourage each of you to take what life has given and make the most of it,” White said.
Valedictorian Victoria Carpenter quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay on the inspiration that would build if the stars came out only one every thousand years.
“Instead the stars come out every night and we watch TV,” Carpenter said. “The stars are going to come out every night. They will guide us on a path to more than exist, but to live.”
Throughout life, the class will have the shared experience of growing up in Holmes County, Valedictorian Sarah Biltz said.
“We have our roots here,” Biltz said. “As we all go our separate ways for new adventures with new people, our roots bring us back.”
Valedictorian Matthew Hughes congratulated the “one and only West Holmes class of 2011”.
“Each of us has taken a unique path that has made us who we are,” Hughes said. “No one can take that away from us.”
Valedictorian Sarah Lance said the seniors have refuted their ‘troublemaker’ reputation by the direction their futures are taking, whether it be going on to college, to serve in the military or joining the workforce.
“Being a part of this class was full of great and interesting experiences,” Lance said. “But look at us now, we made it.”