The graduation of 19 seniors from Blevins High School’s Class of 2023 took place in Hempstead Hall, starting promptly at 7:00 p.m. with the playing of a recording of an excerpt from Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March and the procession of seniors into the auditorium and to their places in seats on stage right.
On stage left was a podium with the Blevins school seal. The first to speak was Adrianna Barr, a soon-to-be Honors Graduate. She asked that all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Her voice could be heard reciting it through the auditorium’s large speakers.
Next was the Invocation, said by another Honors recipient, Isaac Brooks, who thanked the Lord for safely bringing all attendees to the commencement. “I thank you, Lord, that you have guided us this far,” he said. “And I thank you for your guidance in the days to come as you continue to watch not only this class but everyone gathered here today, as we leave and go about the rest of our lives that you may have planned for us.”
The Salutatorian Address was given by Honors recipient Alyssa Bonner. She reflected on how quickly time had seem to pass as the Class of 2023 pursued its primary and secondary educations. “It just doesn't seem that long ago that we were enjoying my first field day or getting the spray water out we had Mormons fire out from the local fire department came to visit,” Bonner said.
She revealed she hadn’t believed it when she was told as a youngster how quickly the time would seem to pass. But, Bonner admitted tonight, “I can say that the first day of senior year truly feels just like yesterday.”
She also explained what she would most recall about her years in school. “The most valuable lessons we learned in school were not written lesson plans. They were taught to us through meaningful conversations and experiences. We learned to show compassion and how to get along with one another, even when it's difficult. Our teachers pushed us to pursue our passions and often reminded us that we are capable of achieving the things that seem impossible.”
“No matter what you choose to do. Be passionate about it. And every season of your life strive to be the best student, worker, boss, parent or spouse and never allow yourself to give anything but the best,” Bonner said. She was roundly applauded.
Valedictorian Nathan Lovette compared the Class of 2023’s school years to a roller coaster ride. “We've had many ups and downs over the years. Some moments were very exciting like field days, pep rallies, and prom; some were filled with anxiety just like that last big drop of the ride… I don’t know about the rest of you,” he said to fellow classmates. “But I’ll be just fine with never having to take another test like the ACT.”
But Lovette also said “Mostly, though, here in the end, many of us are not ready for it to be over.” Here he hearkened again to the amusement park ride comparison. “Just like the roller coaster, when that car slows down after that last curb, the last few weeks we wish it could last just a little longer, and that we could stay together for just a little while. However, I’m quickly discovering, as I know my classmates are, the real ride is about to begin.”
Lovette continued, saying all that he and his classmates have experienced has led to this time of decision and “now is the time for us to find our true paths.” He advised his peers: “Seek out the next set of fun twists and turns that await us. We can even look forward to things that scare us because now we know that every experience gained will shape us toward our ultimate goal: finding a purpose, a calling, a future.”
Lovette finished by making a request. “So classmates, as we head into the future, I charge you with this: never forget how you feel right now in this moment, the excitement of anticipation mixed with nostalgia for the past and a bit of nervousness about what comes next. These are the moments to enjoy, and there’ll be many more to come. Embrace every experience and make the most of every single day, because our ride is never truly over.” Applause followed.
The next part of the program was the traditional Presentation of Carnations, in which seniors awarded the flower to families and friends in the audience as “Good Old Days” by Macklemore featuring Kesha played through the auditorium speakers.
Blevins High faculty member Justin Mishler read the particular scholarship awards and amounts for several of the students present. The total take for the 19 was $210,000.
The Roll Call and the Presentation of Diplomas then proceeded, taking no more than five minutes as the seniors were presented their diploma by a member of the faculty each had chosen. When the last one was handed over, Blevins High Principal Natalie Jones said, “Congratulations, graduates, you may now move your tassel.” After they did, Jones resumed, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you the 2023 graduating class of Blevins High School. Give them another round of applause.”
New graduate Braylon Carrigan said a brief Benediction and the 2023 Blevins Hornets Graduates made their way out of the auditorium and into a Hempstead Hall stairwell, where they posed for their last pictures as a class before throwing those mortars skyward.
