

By Allen Hamrick
The Clay County High School Graduation of 2025 is now in the history books. Thirteen or more years of education have all boiled down to this day, a day when all that graduates have accomplished so far heralds them into the next phase of either higher education or on the job training.
In the early years of learning how many fingers were on each hand and realizing those things they had put in their mouths could also help to count to twenty helped students to begin to understand that those same fingers and toes could calculate the earth’s rotation or develop algorithms for AI technology. Seemingly endless years of cultivating friendships, trying to make the sports teams, learning the 3 R’s – reading, “righting” and ‘rithmetic all seemed part of a never ending cycle… but they have now ended.
These first years of education were carefully planned by those behind desks that suffered the same fate of learning when a paddle named White Lightning was the final judge of discipline and you could smoke ‘em if you had ‘em during lunch period; days when squirrel tails were tied on rusted Ford, Chevy and Dodge truck antennas and a shotgun and fishing pole hung in the back glass. Smoking the tires off thundering muffler less muscle cars, whether a ‘74 impala or a ‘68 mustang, determined student status in that day. Those days are long gone and those that were carefully planning them have passed the torch to those that would usher in the age of high tech and cell phones.
The education world has changed drastically since the good ol’ days. In years gone by, students learned a lot and became pillars of society, but now dictionaries and libraries are dust covered and the graduates of today can, by the touch of a few buttons, learn anything they want, do anything they want, create whatever they want, friend whoever they want, or completely turn reality off and live in a virtual reality world of their own design. However, the high tech world is just a tool that can be used for great things.
CCHS graduates have proved that hard work, determination, skill, and pure grit are the true motivation for success. Maddie Morton proved just that by doing something that’s so rare in today’s world that only the student who has a drive beyond the box can achieve. Maddie earned a two year Associates Degree in General Studies with an emphasis on Land Resources from Glenville State University. On top of her regular school curriculum, her time on the sports teams and other extracurricular activities, she managed to complete a two year degree before she even arrives for her first day of higher education classes. That’s what hard work and determination will get you.
In a gym packed wall to wall with parents, friends and supporters, attendees watched as seniors, who had a look of, “Thank goodness it’s over,” walked in with smiles and a bright eye toward their future. Some will go on to higher education and others will join our military, while others will join the work force and begin their road to paying taxes and Social Security. There were many 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.
Kenzie Corwell was this year’s Valedictorian, and when she got to the podium to give her address, you could understand why. Kenzie’s speech to her class was incredibly articulate and to the point with words of encouragement and wisdom she could only glean through hard work, listening, and surviving the many ups and downs of education she experienced. She will no doubt influence this world in a positive way no matter what career she goes after or people she meets. The Salutatorian, Delila Burkhamer, also gave a heartfelt speech that would move even the blackest heart. There is no doubt she, too, will influence the lives of those she meets and be a success at whatever career she decides to pursue. Fourth ranked students Avery Brouillard and Evelyn Young gave the inspirational reading while third ranked Keaira Asbury offered the benediction.
The graduating seniors were given a great pep talk from the living legend Dr. R.B Legg, a class act whose words not only hit home with the students but were also good for those in attendance that had any life left in them. Dr. Legg has been a long standing supporter of this county and the people in it. Others in attendance, whether behind the podium or just passing by in the gymnasium or hallway, gave their pats on the back and their own interpretation of what to look forward to as students progress into the future. To complete the ceremony, Class President, Ayden Brown, accepted the diplomas, and with caps flying high in the air, graduates signaled the end of their time as Panthers.
Clay County High School has some of the most intelligent and hard working young men and women who will become a part of that force that binds family and business into hope for the future of this country, who will take the bull by the horns and make a difference. Henry David Thoreau once said, “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” From here, it is up to the graduates to make the right choices in their lives; they have been given the proverbial kick out of the nest and parents and grandparents who are watching hope there is no predator waiting to ensnare them as they hit the ground running.
It is a detail of reality in the concourse of life that youth change and make a path of their own that will sustain the ongoing process we call life. The world is an exciting place to explore, invent and become what they were born to do. Who knows what lies ahead for these students? Only time will tell, but the opportunity is there to do great things. Now graduates, know this as a wise person once said… “The only voice you will ever hear that tells the truth every time is your gut instinct. It washes away doubt, and it will see what the heart ignores and what your mind over thinks.” Clay County wishes nothing but the best for you!









