The 105 young men and women who walked the stage and received their diplomas will be well-prepared for the challenges to come, said Principal Sharon Knight.
“There is nothing like a high-school graduation,” Knight said. “They will go through college graduations but it doesn’t compare to the emotion they will feel and the attachment.”
And that was something that stood out in Friday night’s commencement. Seniors remembered Phillip J. Croom, a student who passed in October in a car accident, by giving his younger brother the 105 roses passed out to seniors before the service.
Seventeen students graduated with honors. In order for a student to graduate with honor standing, they must have a 94 percent average over the four years of study and have taken upper-level courses during their careers.
The students who graduated with honors are: Evan T. Roberts, Chris P. Fotopolous, Jennifer E. Martin, Savannah R. Galloway, Caitlin J. Hill, Lauren M. McCormick, Tiffany R. Francis, Adam C. Meridith, Jarett A. Bell, Mary S. Jolley, Leamber S. Light, Catherine W. Moore, Prudence L. Torian, Lacey D. McGinnis, Monica L. Birdsong, Ashley N. Flood and Samuel J. Woodall.
Valedictorian Evan Roberts addressed the standing-room only crowd with a speech to his classmates reflecting on the times they have had together and the trials they will face in the future. Roberts made life seem simple as he compared the course of life to a PayDay candy bar.
Only two students received the Commonwealth Diploma. The award is given to students who have taken at least 4 Advanced Placement courses before their graduation. Jennifer Martin and Lauren McCormick were the two bestowed with this honor.
Superintendent Tim McGinnis sent off the seniors by reading the names of the graduates. He had a memorable service as he presented his daughter, Lacey, with a diploma and a hug.
“It is indeed an honor to participate in any graduation because it is such a special time in the lives of our students and their families,” McGinnis said, who lost his wife in a car accident last year. “But to have your own daughter graduating, it is even more special.”
Chris Fotopolous, salutatorian of this year’s class, also addressed his fellow students during the commencement. His presentation focused on the community and relationship aspects of the students’ time in high school.
“Hopefully our friendships can stand the test of time,” he said in his speech.
This year’s graduating class is no different in many aspects from any other graduating class. However for Knight, she said this class has some special characteristics that make it stand out among the others.
“Every class has good kids,” she said. “But this class is all good kids. They are all just great individuals.”
The Cadiz Record would like to congratulate all of the 2004 graduates on all of their accomplishments.
