28 graduate from BHS

By Staff, 05/18/19 10:38 AM

HOPE – Hempstead Hall was packed with family, friends and well-wishers for seniors at Blevins High School.

By the end of Friday evening, 28 were presented diplomas and confirmed as graduates.

BHS Principal Jeff Steed welcomed everyone to the event and introduced the keynote speaker, Kevin Steed, as a 1996 graduate of BHS who had several jobs before finding where he belonged at Striker, Inc.

Kevin Steed told the seniors he was where they are 23 years ago and his primary focus was on getting out of high school. He said there was a speaker at his graduation but he didn’t remember anything that was said, adding he hoped something he said would stick with those graduating.

He said there were three keys to success. The first is to believe in something bigger than yourself, believe in others and finally, to believe in yourself. Steed gave examples, reminding the seniors they will be in control of their lives, they will have hard times, but the important thing is to keep moving forward. He told the class to set goals, not have dreams because dreams change. He urged them to work on completing small goals first as this would lead to their reaching their main goal in life.

In conclusion, he asked the Class of 2019 to leave the world a better place than they found it.

Madison Butler gave the salutatory address, talking about how the two years she’s been at Blevins has changed her life and the class is more like a family.

Kasey Jester gave the first valedictory address telling the class it could do great things even if they’re small. “It’s been a long journey, but we’re here.” She talked about how scared she was when she started high school, saying it was interesting and challenging.

Amani Furlow provided the final valedictory address talking about how quickly their senior year flew by. She thanked the parents and teachers for helping prepare the graduates for the future, urging the class of 2020 to stick together.