The 45th
commencement for Allen County-Scottsville High School was held Friday evening
at Patriot Gym. Approximately 220 seniors received their diplomas’ signaling
the end of the 13-year education process.
The program included
the announcement of the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Madison Claire
Whittle was introduced as the valedictorian with Colton Michael Barton named
salutatorian.
“This is one
of the most important nights of our young lives,” Whittle said in her remarks,
remarks in which she talked about the importance of grit in her life. “I have
found grit to be a critical component of my high school career. The thing about
grit is that it takes on several different forms. Being willing to cooperate,
think outside the box, and persist are all traits I see in various fashions.
They are all traits related to grit and success.”
Whittle also believes
her class will achieve great things in their lives in the years to come.
“What I have seen with success in academics, the
arts, and technical skills makes me feel that this class is going to produce
some of the best scientists, artists, and mechanics that this school has ever seen,”
Whittle added.
In his
remarks, Barton talked about family, teachers, friendships, and the future.
“As we look
to the future, I encourage you to never be scared to ask your family for assistance,”
Barton said, adding “This would not be a graduation speech if I didn’t
recognize our teachers. Thank you all for getting us here. The teachers have
shown me that the best educators are the ones who inspire us and show they can
also be a friend to us. Tonight, we set together as a class for the last time. We
have made many friendships and these friendships are what got us to this point.
I hope you will not leave this place without letting your friends know how much
they mean to you. I believe that this class is going places and I say that with
confidence. We are going places. That being said, never rush the future and
cherish the moments you have.”
The graduation
ceremony also included remarks from the heart of senior parent Jeremy
England---the father of Gracie and Mattie England.
“Learn from
yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow,” England said. “These words
were credited to Albert Einstein. There is also this quote accredited to Thomas
Munson---learn from the past, prepare for the future, and live in the present.
Learn from yesterday. I take from this is not to make the same mistakes. Learn
from your experiences, learn from your parents and, most of all, learn from the
Bible. Live for today. God creates every day, one day at a time. We can’t
change the past and we can’t create the future, so all we have is the very
moment we are in. This day and this moment won’t happen again. I wont you to
remember that each and every day and each and every moment that you have. Take
every moment that God gives you and take it to the fullest.”
Allen County
School superintendent Randall Jackson and Allen County-Scottsville High School
principal Joseph Cosby presented the diplomas to the seniors to cap their high
school career.
background:white'>