Graduates look to future
Published 9:34 am Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Graduate Cameron Green, middle, stands with Linda and Theodore Gibson before the ceremony.
Celebrating Briana Witherspoon’s graduation are, front row, Mionte King; middle row, Jacob King, Delores Mitchell, Katrina King, Valerie King, Lawrence King Jr., Norman King; back row, Hollis Witherspoon, Lawrence King Sr. and Courtney Smith.
Haley Hayer, middle, grins after graduation with Albert and Lindsey Hayer.
Kayla Chaffin walks down the line after receiving her diploma at Central High School.
Briana Witherspoon, left, and Jayla Ragsdale sing the National Anthem during the 2018 Central High School graduation ceremony.
More than 100 Central High School students received their diplomas Saturday as a full gymnasium of family and friends cheered them on.
Lunenburg County Public Schools (LCPS) Superintendent Charles Berkley Jr. spoke, praising students’ accomplishments, encouraging them to keep service to their community at the top of their priorities and to be mindful of everyone who has assisted them.
“Never forget your past and who supported you on your journey. Remember to help someone along the way as you were helped,” Berkley said.
Dr. Sharon Stanislas, principal of Central High School, praised students who started programs that would better the high school for future students.
“I found your desire to go above and beyond to make your school a better place quite impressive,” Stanislas said to the students. “I want to thank each of you for contributing sportsmanship, leadership, citizenship, and scholarship to Central High School.”
“You are capable of amazing things because you are amazing people,” Stanislas concluded.
Fallyn Hawks was awarded valedictorian and Emma Renee Hart was awarded salutatorian. Fatima Lara Juarez received the Citizenship Award.
During Hart’s address, she encouraged students to remember the relationships and experiences that brought them to graduation day.
“Many people will say ‘congratulations, this marks the beginning of a journey,’” Hart said during her address. “I disagree, our journey began a long time ago.”
Hart said she didn’t know many people when she first began school at a young age, but has come away with making some of her closest friends and finding a community in Lunenburg County.
Hawks said while each student experienced challenges, it was the struggles that defined them.
She said the graduating class is expected to face more challenges and triumphs, and to not fall into the belief that they have everything figured out.
“Life is a roller coaster with unique adventures that each one of us have and will continue to experience,” Hawks said.
Hawks gave students this phrase to remember: passion + persistence = possibility.
“I hope that the Class of 2019 knows that the possibilities are endless in what you can achieve if you set your mind to something.”
