It was a night of tears and cheers for members of the Class of 2008 at DeKalb County High School Friday evening on the occasion of their graduation.
Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Tyler Woods and Tayla Turner while the Citizenship Award was presented to Travis Woodward.
The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the class for outstanding achievement and leadership, academics, and other activities. The Citizenship Award is given to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding service, devotion and loyalty to DeKalb County High School. The honors students were also recognized during the program.
A total of 154 students received diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands with Director of Schools Mark Willoughby as their names were called by Principal Kathy Hendrix.
In remarks to the Class, Valedictorian Nick Winchester urged his fellow students to make good use of their education. ” As Edward Koch once said, “The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse. As we sit here amongst our family and friends, this is not only a time to celebrate all the hard work and dedication, but a time to reminisce on all the memories that have made our high school career the one it was. Cherish these days and hold them close to your heart. There are never going to be anymore like them. As we think about the long journey we just completed, we could have never done it if it weren’t for the teachers. If I do say so myself, they have done a spectacular job with us. As each of you set for the road ahead, remember Jeremiah 29:11 that states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Keep your goals high and reach for the stars.”
Class Officer Tyler Woods advised the graduates to let God guide them. ” We are here to hopefully shed perspective on what it is we’ve accomplished, where it is we’ve come from, and what we have in store for our future. The greatest years of our life will not come in one era. It will come day by day as we let God make it what he wills. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ” Proverbs 3:5-6. It is so powerful to me. God is sovereign and if we want to be truly in control we must surrender control.”
Principal Kathy Hendrix, in her remarks to the class, admonished the graduates to confront life’s challenges and work to achieve their dreams. ” Graduation marks the end of high school and the beginning of a bright future. But more importantly, it marks achievement. It’s a ceremony of honor and recognition. Your teachers, parents, and grandparents have given you the foundation, the base upon which to build. The rest will be largely up to you. I would challenge you tonight never to stop learning. Cultivate and exercise your mind as you go through life. Stay focused on your goals in life. Sometimes you may fall down. Get right back up and go forward. Acknowledge your obstacles. Don’t empower them. If you’re not prepared for your journey and everyday challenges, search for what you can do to help get you prepared. Finally, I hope you will find tasks worthy of your abilities. Confront challenges deserving of your enthusiasm and work to achieve your dreams.”
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