The ninety-eighth graduating class of Clay County High School crossed the stage and accepted their diplomas Saturday during the annual commencement and baccalaureate service. As always, the CCHS concert band performed Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates entered the gymnasium, donning their blue and gold. An inspirational reading was given by Natasha McCune, followed by a motivational speech by Salutatorian Andrea Litton. Valedictorian Carleena Craddock-Meeker spoke to her fellow classmates as each one listened intently; knowing that today is both the end and the beginning of chapters of their young lives. US Attorney Booth Goodwin gave a commencement address to the one hundred and nine graduating seniors as well as their attending family and friends.
“I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly. I’ll do what it takes until I touch the sky,” sang members of the Spectrum, relaying the feelings each graduate has about beginning their own lives. After today each of the classmates will go separate ways, some to college, some to the military, some to awaiting jobs but all to a new and promising future full of opportunity and success.
Principal Mrs. Melinda Isaacs presented awards to the group before the diplomas were presented, one by one, to the graduating seniors by Clay Board of Education members. Sydnee Vance accepted the diplomas on behalf of the class before Daniel Watson delivered the benediction.
The recession began and each student exited with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Friends, family and fellow classmates shared hugs, tears and laughs as the class motto rang true in each of their minds “Beginnings are usually scary. Endings are usually sad. It’s what’s in the middle that counts most.”
