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ENTERPRISE — Yellow Jacket seniors entered the next chapter of life Thursday evening as storms started to hit Lincoln County. Enterprise celebrated the graduation of 32 seniors.

Alex Sales was the salutatorian and spoke about how the group of students had overcome COVID four years ago. He said the day was a momentous occasion as they start a brand new chapter in life. 

“We have weathered a storm unlike any other,” Sales said. “Just four years ago we were thrown into the unknown with COVID. Our bustling hallways fell silent. We faced isolation, fear and loss. We kept moving forward. We found out what we were made of. It shaped us into who we are today.” 

He said the 2024 class was the last class who had their high school careers disrupted by the pandemic. Graduates gathered on the basketball court at Enterprise as proof they strove past the challenges, he added. 

Sales concluded his speech with sentiments expressed to his family in spanish. Before the conclusion was lost in translation, he expressed gratitude for teachers and the school. 

“Thank you for providing us with this amazing school, thank you to the coaches for the sacrifices and shaping me into who I am. Thank you to the parents and family for supporting the class and making this year amazing. To my parents, gracias. I wish you all the best. Let us not forget where we came from.”  

Lindley Ferguson stepped up to the microphone as the valedictorian. She reminded students that graduation is not the end but the start of a lifelong journey. 

Ferguson said it was an honor to stand before the crowd as one final gathering of classmates. She thanked the teachers, coaches and staff who sacrificed so much for them. Her gratitude did not end there. 

“None of us could be here today without you. My mom is my biggest inspiration. She is the strongest person I know. She is my motivation,” Ferguson said through tears and a choked voice. “She has always supported me to do my best. Without her I wouldn’t be here. I love you Mom.” 

Ferguson said she was proud of her classmates and their accomplishments. She challenged them to remember the values and lessons learned at Enterprise before they move forward into the next stage of life. 

“Let us strive for excellence. It is not the end but the beginning of a life-long journey,” Ferguson said. “The memories we have are unforgettable. We all carry a piece of each other into our next chapter. Make all the memories you can. Remember to step out of your comfort zone. My classmates are bound for great things and I know they will do amazing in life. Always remember, Enterprise will only be what you want it to be.”

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