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Class of 2008 graduates Friday; Lovvorn and Jenkins are tops
As predicted, the weather held throughout the proceedings which began with the traditional procession across the field led by top junior class scholars Lee Thomson and Evan Harrison. Senior Hailey James sang the national anthem. Senior Class Vice President Tamika Craig welcomed guests and provided the invocation and Tyson Gilland, class secretary, introduced the special guests, including school administrators and members of the Wilkes County Board of Educa- tion. Also introduced were John Lovvorn as valedictorian and Kim Jenkins as salutatorian. Other honor graduates as named at the Senior Banquet the night before in order of class rank, were Troy Colvard, Ashley Kearney, Katie Haughey, Ian Coe, Kelley Roberts, Caleb Saggus, and Tyson Gilland.
Jenkins, in her salutatory address, quoted six critical things that she advised her classmates to always keep in mind: "never stop learning, abide by your ethics, show respect to everyone, love and be loved, maintain faith, and do not let your dreams slip away from you." She also urged them to "never let anyone discourage you ... because you can achieve anything you set your mind to." Valedictorian Lovvorn delivered a list of "thank yous" to faculty members and family members and those who helped him get into the Air Force Academy. He ended with a quote from the book of Jeremiah which says, "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." Colvard, the 2008 STAR Student, spoke of the future when he told his classmates to remember "your passions will lead you through your life. Don't stray from them, please! Do what you like to do, and forget anyone who discourages you from that." He urged them to "Go, live life," while promising that he would do the same. He ended by encouraging his classmates to make something of themselves and not be ashamed. "Seize your future!" he said. After the presentation of diplomas and the certificationof graduates by Superintendent of Schools Joyce Williams, Class President Kearney delivered a speech of remembrances and thank yous and characterized her class much like a family. "When a classmate needs something we come together as a family to make sure they get it - much like the families here today," she said. "We have had several seniors endure many hardships this year, but it was this class, the Class of 2008, that took the time to stand beside them. It was then that our class proved that they have class, maturity, and a good heart.."
In closing, Kearney said, "Words cannot express how some of us feel. Together, we have made it."
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