[img attachment=”10329″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”Seniors going out with a bang.” caption=”Seniors going out with a bang.” /] [img attachment=”10328″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”Students excited to graduate and move on. ” caption=”Students excited to graduate and move on. ” /]The centennial Clay County High School Graduation of 2016 has now been committed to memory. In a gym packed with parents, friends and supporters, attendees watched as one hundred twenty two students got set to receive some hard earned diplomas. Emotionally filled financial awards were given in memory of Corporal Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2012. There were many other awards given in memory of others who have passed, as well as awards that were funded by the people of this county through programs and events to help the youth in their quest for higher learning. The graduating seniors were given a great pep talk by one of their own, Brian Burkhamer, who has recently answered the call of ministry. Brian’s words were plain and simple–get out there and be somebody and not to fear what lies in their future. Dr. R.B. Legg, long time supporter and leader of Clay County Schools, gave the 100th commencement address with words of encouragement and determination to never give up what you love to do. He also reminded the graduates that being from a small community does not make your goals small, rather it makes them more attainable because of the support and demands that a small community instills in an individual. Two thousand sixteen has been a great year for CCHS; the students’ will and determination showed throughout the year in academics, sports, theater and other endeavors. This senior class was awarded over $750,000 in scholarship money, college awards and other donations.
Clay County High School will bid farewell to some intelligent and hard working young men and women who will no doubt be an influence in the fields they enter into. The graduates will now embark on a new journey and accept new roles in society as participants and leaders that will ultimately play a big part of this countries future. With the unsettled politics in this country and the economy in a bind, the future will be bright for those who will take the bull by the horns and change this country while keeping the founding principles in mind. It is an opportunity for our youth because they are smart and have a zeal to change the world and to not live in the status quo. Sure, hearts will be broken when friendships that have gone on since childhood seemingly come to an end and parents suddenly come down with empty nest syndrome, but it is in the concourse of life that we change and make a path of our own necessary to sustain the ongoing process called life. It has to be so that the columns that hold our country up stay strong and vigilant.
Many of the seniors will be going on to higher learning, others will go and serve in our country’s military to defend our rights and freedoms and others will assume their roles as hard working individuals that makes this state and country strong. Now graduates, it is time to move on, and there are time tested and proven rules to form your minds – talk very little, listen a whole lot, reflect on what has passed, never forget where you come from, distrust your own opinion and value and respect others who deserve it. Congratulations to all the students of Clay County High School, and Clay County wishes nothing but the best for you.
[img attachment=”10333″ align=”alignleft” size=”medium” alt=”Salutatorian Emily Wynn gives words to live by.” caption=”Salutatorian Emily Wynn gives words to live by.” /] [img attachment=”10332″ align=”alignleft” size=”medium” alt=”Valedictorian Geordie Wilkinson gives farewell address.” caption=”Valedictorian Geordie Wilkinson gives farewell address.” /]
[img attachment=”10334″ align=”alignleft” size=”full” alt=”Brian Burkhamer addressing the seniors. ” caption=”Brian Burkhamer addressing the seniors. ” /]
[img attachment=”10327″ align=”alignleft” size=”full” alt=”Dr. R.B Legg gives the commencement address.” caption=”Dr. R.B Legg gives the commencement address.” /]