Principal of Nevada High Carol Foster welcomed attendees and the Class of 2025 to the ceremony and then said, “I want to take a few moments to talk about this particular class, because, well, we've been through a lot together.”
Foster said this year’s graduating class began to make a name for itself early. “I remember hearing the stories from when you were in elementary. You were the class, the one teachers used to brace themselves for, the one known for testing every limit and pushing everybody. You had energy, you had attitude, and you definitely had your own way of doing things. Let's just say your early reputation preceded you.”
But, Foster said, the class eventually gained poise, such that by the time of its graduation it had distinguished itself. She concluded with a charge for the graduating seniors: “Class of 2025, let this be just the beginning. Keep proving people wrong for the right reasons. Keep growing, keep leading and keep reminding the world that who you are, who you were does not limit who you can become. Congratulations.”
Class President, Highest Honors and National Honor Society Graduate-to-be Caleb Moss gave the first Honors’ Address, enlarging a bit on Foster’s description of the Class of 2025’s first school years. “Our early elementary teachers worked hard to get us to stay in our seats and hold our attention long enough to teach us. So thank you, early elementary teachers for hanging in there and not allowing us to put you into early retirement,” he said.
In closing, Moss spoke directly to his classmates. “I encourage you to embrace this uncertainty and the change that is coming our way. Class of 2025, let's approach this uncertainty open minds and grave arts. Let's show the world who we really are, because it's within those moments of change and uncertainty that we find out who we are.”
The second Honors’ Address, from High Honor and National Honor Society Graduate-to-be Karleigh Carlton had some advice about what to avoid in the years after the commencement. “It is easy to start comparing ourselves to others, but at the end of the day, nobody's journey is the same, and it's not supposed to be. The beauty of growing and changing comes from appreciating all you have been through to get where you are. Your story is meaningful because it is yours. Do not let the chase of the next big thing blind you to what you already have,” she said.
Leading the Teacher Appreciation was Class Vice President and High Honors Graduate-to-be Jillian Pinner who said “Your belief in us is what carried us to this moment, and as we turn to this next chapter, whether it be college or career or a new adventure, we will always carry the lessons you've taught us. So on behalf of the graduating class, thank you. Thank you for your passion, your patience and your unwavering belief in us. You've made a lasting difference in our lives that we will never forget.” Teachers at the ceremony were asked to stand while Pinner spoke.
The Parent Appreciation speech was made by National Honors Society and High Honors Graduate-to-be Faith Gibbs who asked parents attending the commencement to stand. “From our first day of kindergarten to our standing here for you now on our high school graduation day, you have stood beside us and supported us through many late nights spent working on essays and studying last- minute for tests, helping with homework, driving us to sports practices and making it to as many of our sporting events as possible to cheer us on--parents, you are some of our biggest cheerleaders, and we could not have gotten where we are today without you,” she said.
As the 2017 song “Five More Minutes” by Scotty McCreery was played, the seniors gathered white roses from a large vase and then split up among the audience, giving these to parents and exchanging many hugs.
When the seniors reconvened in their seats, Class of 2025 Secretary and Highest Honors and National Honors Society Graduate-to-be Keirston Burks gave the Class Farewell speech, beginning by hearkening back to when she and her classmates were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. “Our ancestors came from our imagination. We said things like an astronaut, a princess, a firefighter. In my case, I was convinced that I’d join the Air Force, despite the fact I could not have reached a top shelf, let alone tie my own shoes. At ten, the question came back around, but our answers involved a cowboy, a superstar, or for me, an endangered species biologist. I watched one Nat Geo documentary, and suddenly I had a life mission.”
The Administrative Address followed, given by Nevada Public Schools Superintendent Roy McCoy who opened by acknowledging he tends to talk a lot about older movies, television, music and cars. This time he brought up The Byrds’ 1965 hit, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” a song whose lyrics were taken from a set of Ecclesiastes verses.
“The message of that song and the scripture that it comes from is really quite simple. It says, ‘To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven, a time to be born, a time to die, a time to laugh and a time to weep, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to cast away stones and a time to gather them together, a time to gain, a time to lose, a time to plant and a time to uproot and a time to be silent and a time to speak.’ And that's true to everything, there truly is a season, and tonight begins a new season for you.”
The awarding of diplomas to each of the 25 seniors was a duty shared by McCoy, Foster and School Board Vice President Chris Fore.
Once the seniors had their diplomas, Foster went to the podium and said, “By the authority vested in me by the Nevada School District Board of Directors and Arkansas Department of Education, I confer upon each of you the high school diploma, together with all rights, privileges and responsibilities, appertaining thereto. Congratulations, graduates, you may now move your tassels.”
She then asked all to stand for the Benediction, which was said by High Honors Graduate Kyron Williams. Among his prayers were the lines, “Please give these graduates the courage to dream big dreams and pursue goals that will bring glory to your faith. May this graduation be not an ending, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of purpose, impact and influence.”
After the Amens, the seniors threw their blue mortarboards toward the rafters.
Above photos: Nevada High School Principal Carol Foster
Above photo: Teachers' Appreciation speaker Jillian Pinner.
Above photo: Kairston Burks, giving the Class Farewell.
