Graduating seniors are now looking toward the next chapter in their lives after saying their goodbyes to DCHS as students during Thursday night’s commencement.
Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Seth Wright and Tyra Graham while the Citizenship Award was presented to Morgan Vickers.
The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the senior class with strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community and exemplary moral character. The Citizenship Award is given to a student in the senior class who exemplifies strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community. The honors, distinction, and top rank students were also recognized during the program.
The 152 graduates received their diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands and posing for pictures with Director of Schools Patrick Cripps and DCHS Principal Kathy Bryant as their names were called by Assistant Principal Jenny Norris.
In her remarks, Valedictorian Ashli Chew urged her classmates to aspire to make a mark on the world. “ In 1963, mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz hypothesized that a single butterfly could flap its wings and set enough molecules of air into motion that were capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the world. Naturally, scientists all over the world laughed at his idea. It was mocked and ridiculed for more than thirty years until a collaboration of physicists concluded that his hypothesis was, in fact, valid and viable. Scientists have concluded that the so-called “butterfly effect” is true for all forms of matter, including people,” said Chew.
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“Each person should aspire to make his or her mark on the world. After all, that is what the butterfly effect is all about, but it is more important to be open to all the different things that are in the world,” she continued.
“I hope that each and every one of you allow yourselves to be changed for the better while also having your own kind of butterfly effect. Rumi once said, Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself,” said Chew.
“Any Andrews said it best. You have been created with the ability to change the world. Every single choice you make, every single action you take, matters. But remember, the converse is also true. Every choice you do not make, every action you do not take, matters just as much. It is my hope that you all choose wisely. Choose happiness. Choose to live a life that is nothing short of your absolute best. Congratulations Class of 2016,” Chew concluded.
Chloe White, Class President, admonished her friends to never forget the many memories of their high school years as they move on to an unknown future. “Graduation is an exciting time. It’s both an ending and a beginning. It’s warm memories of the past and big dreams for the future. Soon we will all be moving on to the unknown. We will be starting our new lives at college, jobs, or in the military. While some will be practically in their own backyards, others will be across the world starting adventures we can only dream about. Although our lives will be vastly changing, we will never forget the many memories we have all made together. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for all of us. God bless, and congratulations Class of 2016,” said White.
The program featured an Invocation by Alex Rhody of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Music by the DCHS Band and Chorus. DCHS Guidance Counselor Lori Myrick introduced the honors and distinction students. Guidance Counselor Shelly Painter recognized the Top Rank students in the class. The Benediction was delivered by Andrew Cornelius , member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.