The frequent parental question of “What did you do at school today?” and the equally familiar student answer of “Nothing,” became the unlikely centerpiece of a humorous but pointed commencement address by Nevada Superintendent Roy McCoy Friday night as the Nevada School District graduated 28 seniors of the Nevada High School Class of 2026.

Drawing from the television sitcom Seinfeld, oft referred to as “a show about nothing,” McCoy told graduates that “nothing is everything” when tied to discipline, focus and effort.

“So if anyone ever asks you, what the speech at your high school graduation was about? What did the superintendent talk about at your high school graduation?” McCoy said. “It’ll be just like what you do at school, nothing, because in nothing is everything a success.”

The graduation ceremony Monday evening in the Nevada Schools gym featured remarks from students and school officials stressing perseverance, faith, gratitude and preparation for adulthood.

Justin Myrick focused his remarks on empathy, resilience and integrity. “If there is one lesson we have learned together during our time in school, it’s this: intelligence without empathy is incomplete,” Myrick said.

A'Marya Haynie directed much of her speech toward parents and families. “To our parents, your sacrifices, patience and unconditional love have been the foundation beneath every step we’ve taken,” Haynie said.

Paxtyn Tolar reflected on the speed with which the class’s school years had passed. “Standing here, it’s insane to me how quickly the time has passed,” Tolar said. “It feels like it was yesterday we walked into this place for the first time, unsure, a little nervous, but full of hope.”

She encouraged classmates not to fear failure or uncertainty. “The future may feel scary and uncertain, but believe me, it’s full of opportunity,” Tolar said.

McCoy’s address centered heavily on a speech once given by former college football coach Nick Saban concerning the concept of “nothing.” “You get up every day, and you’re entitled to nothing. Nobody owes you nothing.”

McCoy connected Saban’s dart thrown at entitlement to the importance of discipline, preparation and adaptability in adulthood.  “You may have the skills, you may have the experience, or you may have the most innovative ideas, but without the discipline to execute and the focus to see them through, you end up with nothing,” McCoy said.

He warned students against complacency and urged them to pursue excellence in every area of life. “Nothing is acceptable but the very best,” he said.

Following the speeches, Nevada High Principal Carol Foster formally certified that the graduating seniors had met all academic requirements established by the school district and the Arkansas Department of Education.

After diplomas were conferred and tassels turned, Nathan Gibbs delivered the benediction, encouraging graduates to trust God through future challenges. “Help us to live out what it means to love God and to love people, to have integrity and character,” Gibbs prayed.

McCoy then presented the Nevada High School Class of 2026 to the audience as graduates.