‘Thank you’ was the theme at Thursday graduations
Published 5:00 pm Friday, May 20, 2022
Two Lincoln County high schools conducted graduation ceremonies Thursday night — Bogue Chitto and Enterprise.
Bogue Chitto’s ceremony began at 6:30 p.m. The 36 graduating Bobcats had earned more than $200,000 in scholarships as a group.
Salutatorian Felder Sartin made a point of thanking God and his parents for getting him to this point in life, as well as each graduate’s families, and “special teachers and coaches.”
“Even though our class is small in number, we stand for something greater,” Sartin said.
Valedictorian Brandon Welch likened the class’ struggles to training for something more, quoting Muhammad Ali — “I hated every minute of training, but I said to myself, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’”
Welch said he believed the graduating class was “one of the most diversely talented groups to don the caps and gowns on this campus.”
Before closing and the presentation of diplomas, the top academic student addressed the BC teachers and faculty: “I hope and pray God will continue to help you mold future classes.”
Ceremonies at Enterprise began promptly at 8 p.m. The highlight of salutatorian Cannon Jordan’s speech was a heartfelt thank you to everyone who had supported her on her academic journey.
“Thank you for believing in me, whenever I didn’t believe in myself.”
Valedictorian Laney Beard thanked families and faculty for “seeing us through this final chapter of our youth.”
“Getting started is sometimes the most difficult part of any task,” she said as she encouraged her fellow graduates to work hard and persistently. “Do not hesitate. Do not falter (and) if you fall down, get back up.”