Perseverance, cooperation themes at Friday graduations

Published 9:59 am Monday, May 23, 2022

By Brett Campbell

Perseverance and cooperation were the themes at the two Lincoln County high schools graduation ceremonies Friday evening — Loyd Star and West Lincoln.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Loyd Star’s graduation moved quickly. Salutatorian Brooke Cade expressed how happy the 49 graduating seniors were to make it to that moment.

“We all had different paths to get to where we are today,” she said. “But no matter what path we took, we’re all here today.

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“We’re not all best friends, but we are a single class. We prevailed through it all (and) had an almost normal senior year,” Cade said. “Thank you for loving us through it all.”

“The main takeaway from all these years is it’s OK to be yourself,” the salutatorian said. “We accept our differences. I am very proud to be a part of this class.”

Valedictorian Peyton Warren also thanked teachers, parents and families for being the ones “who helped us get here.”

“I have cystic fibrosis,” Warren said. “But you can still have a successful life. (It’s) about how much happiness you have in your life. You should never take time for granted.”

He closed his speech by quoting author Michael Altshuler — “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

West Lincoln’s graduation ceremonies for the 42 seniors started at 8 p.m. with no issues — notable, considering a wreck about a quarter-mile away on West Lincoln Drive had knocked out power to nearly 400 meters west of the school.

Salutatorian Brady Ratcliff thanked parents and teachers “for the efforts you’ve invested in this class.”

“We all worked hard to get to this day, and our work will not go to waste,” Ratcliff said. “Graduation (is) part of the larger journey of life, a launching point projecting us into the field of whatever God has planned for us.”

Valedictorian Brooklyn Laird echoed the idea of graduation being a starting point.

“Our plans will provide opportunities and challenges,” she said. “Your determination to succeed will carry you through whatever mountaintops and valleys you face in your future.”

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