Mother Nature could only delay the Class of 2018 for about an hour Friday night as commencement ceremonies took place in the rain soaked stadium despite a steady drizzle and an occasional flash of lightning.
A total of 177 DeKalb County High School seniors were given the right hand of fellowship and a high school diploma by Director of Schools Patrick Cripps and Principal Randy Jennings. The event went on minus the high school chorus and band which evacuated the field when a severe thunderstorm struck campus, dumping torrential rain and hail. The weather event, which was being closely monitored on radar by school officials, delayed the ceremony and sent many well-dressed attendees running for cover as sheets of rain soaked anyone who remained out in the storm.
“Over the course of four years we have made friends, bonds and memories that will last a life time,” declared Senior Class President Tyree Cripps in his opening remarks, noting many of the Class of 2018 would be going on to college while others opt to immediately enter the work force. “I wish each and every one of you good luck as you go forward to achieve your goals.”
Class Valedictorian Allison Maynard encouraged her classmates to go out and make their lives the best they can be.
“We will no longer walk the halls at DeKalb County High School as students as we have for the past four years,” she told her fellow graduates during her keynote address. “We will all go our separate ways once graduation is over.”
She admitted there will be big changes for most graduates who will be moving on to new things.
“No matter where you go or what you do, make sure you do what is best for you,” she advised. “The chances you don’t take, you miss. IT’s hard to turn the page if you’re stuck reading the same paragraph.”
Along with the saying of goodbye, the night saw awards given including the prestigious White Rose awards that were conferred to Marshal Evins and Olivia Walker.
The Citizenship Award was given to Trey Jones who also delivered the benediction to end the evening and send the graduates’ caps flying.
