24 graduate from NHS
ROSSTON – It’s not the size of the graduating class that counts, but the class in the students graduating.
Thursday night 24 students from Nevada High School were presented their diplomas during the annual commencement ceremonies. However, 14 of the seniors were honor graduates.
Nevada’s gym was packed for the occasion, with the stands starting to fill before 6 p.m. with family and friends. The seniors gathered in the library to get ready for their big moment.
Jason Arrington, principal, kicked things off saying it was a great day as the Blue Jay baseball team was coming off a win in the state tournament and this group of students was graduating. Some, he said, would be returning to play baseball in the tourney again. He thanked the parents and families for allowing the district to share in the accomplishments of the students.
The honors address was given by Camnia Cody, Logan Mos and Nazaraethe Campbell. Cody said the class wasn’t there to say goodbye as this is the start of their new life and they can do anything they put their minds to. “We all expected different things when we started school. We’ll never accept failure. Today, we’re starting a new chapter in our lives.” The Class of ’19, she said, may go its separate ways, but would always be together, adding their time at Nevada was some of the happiest ever.
Moss followed saying he’s sharing the floor with an accomplished group with 14 honor graduates. The class, he said, was astounding as it earned more than $380,000 in scholarships, earned 136 college hours, while several were holding jobs, and two earned associate degrees while in high school. The Class of ’19, he said, was family while in school and will be for years to come. “I have no doubt the Class of 2019 will add to these numbers. I believe we’re the most accomplished class to walk out of NHS.”
Campbell said the students all have lives of their own and will make it back to the top. “We all belong here and we’ll keep pushing. We’ll make good decisions and are ready for the next step.”
The teacher appreciation was given by Carolyn Dixon, who said this day seemed a long way away when they started 13 years ago. The teachers, she said, weren’t only teachers, were open minded and touched the hearts of the students, motivating them to be their best.
Caeley Callicott and Jaden Marsh provide the parent appreciation speeches. Callicott said the accomplishments of the Class of ’19 were only possible because their parents were behind them all the way. “My parents are my biggest blessing.”
Marsh talked of being excited about the future and thanking his parents for making this possible. “They put us on the path to greatness and words can’t describe how important you are. We know how much you sacrificed.”
In giving the class farewell, Make’la Young said she was glad of the time she got to spend at Nevada, having transferred in. She said from the first time she entered the school she was treated like family. The class, she said, still has places to go, some will be heading to college, some to the military and others to the job market. She reminded the class high school doesn’t have to be the best time of their lives, adding the Class of ’19 will be together again sooner or later.
Bralon Glover said he came from Stephens and it didn’t take long to realize what this class shared. The class did everything it could to make their experiences the best. “Finally, we made it. But it’s not over, it’s just getting started. We won’t aspire to just make a living, but to make a difference.” He urged the class to “get up, dress up, show up and never give up” while always helping others. “We all have different stories and what we have to share isn’t insignificant. The future is relying on us to change the world. Success is not final, failure is not fatal and excellence should be a habit.”
Rick McAfee, superintendent, gave the administrative address talking about how impressed everyone is with what these students have accomplished. Athletically, he said, two graduates will be playing in the state baseball tournament Friday, and the basketball team made it to the state finals. “One thing that’s impressed me overall is what these young people have become. They’ve spoken from the heart and faith.”
Academically, he said, they did a wonderful job, adding the diplomas they’d be given weren’t the end, only a learner’s permit. “You don’t have to be smarter than the next person, just work harder and be more determined. You can control how hard you work and what you accomplish. We’ll see changes in this world.”
McAfee pointed out one graduate would be joining the military in two weeks. He thanked the student for the service he will be giving to the nation. Interestingly, the student in question graduated a year early and had to get his parents’ permission to join the Marines.
“You’re not the future,” he said to the class, “you’re the present. Make us proud. You’ve been successful and are changing the world. Continue to do so.”
