The 2015 Clay County High School Graduation has come and gone, and the graduates are set to take their place in society. It was a hot day outside and equally as hot and steamy on the inside as parents, friends, supporters and attendees watched as students got set to receive their hard earned diplomas. It looked as if The Who was in concert. There was no parking room left unless you docked your vehicles on the Elk.
Roger Hanshaw, delegate for the 33rd District, was on hand to give the commencement address, and had words of encouragement for the graduating seniors. It was an emotional event as well; two of the students who would have graduated with their peers, Dillon Dawson and Allie Moore, have gone on but will never be forgotten by those whose lives they touched. 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 people of this county through programs and events to help the youth in their quest for higher learning.
Two thousand fifteen has been a great year for CCHS; the students’ will and determination showed throughout the year in academics and sports as many excelled to higher levels. Many awards were given. Congratulations to all the graduates! My hope is that you will go and prosper and not succumb to the status quo. Be greater than this, be creative, and never give up on hope or your dreams! You will now embark on a new journey and accept a new role in society as participants and leaders of the future. Clay County High School bade farewell to some intelligent and hardworking young men and women who will no doubt be an influence in the fields they enter into.
Now comes a time of opportunity for our youth, and there is no finer time in life that they will get the chance to be and do as right now. Sure, hearts will be broken when friendships that have gone on since childhood seemingly come to an end, but it is in the concourse of life that we change. 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. As a great writer once said, “You can do anything you want to do if you stick to it long enough.” Congratulations to all the students, and Clay County wishes nothing but the best for you.
