Editor’s note: Today, The DAILY LEADER continues publication of valedictorian and salutatorian speeches from recent graduation ceremonies at local schools. Today’s address is from Bogue Chitto Attendance Center Valedictorian Jesse Haralson.

     Good evening. I would like to begin by saying ‘thank you’ to all the parents and guardians who have done their earnest to raise us into what we are. Your love, your care, and your discipline have prepared us for what is to come.

     Teachers, staff, and faculty, you have given us the tools and the knowledge we need to succeed in life and reach our goals. We thank you.

     To my fellow classmates, this is it. We are graduating. Congratulations.

     Tonight we begin our journey that will span the rest of our lives. There will be challenges and obstacles in our path, but they will be overcome. After all, we are Bogue Chitto Bobcats.

     Our future is here. We have waited and now it is in our hands.

     Behind us is our legacy and in front of us is our destiny. We leave here with pride in our hearts and victory in our minds.

     We are proud to be your class. We are proud to be Bogue Chitto High School’s Graduating Class of 2012. We embark on our adventure tonight.

     Tonight we go forth to prevail and achieve our hopes and dreams. Thank you, and may God bless us.

     Jesse Haralson is the valedictorian of the Bogue Chitto Attendance Center Class of 2012. He is the son of Donnie and Linda Haralson.