Elkin City Schools ended their 2024 school year on Friday, May 31 as summer began for all students after an early dismissal on Friday’s last day of classes. The senior Buckin’ Elks celebrated the end of their high school careers that evening with a graduation ceremony on a perfectly beautiful and warm evening under the Friday night lights of Grissom Stadium.
The ceremony, celebrating 99 graduates began with the usual “Pomp and Circumstance,” the presentation of colors by the EHS JROTC Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cadet Battalion Commander Emily Hodgson, followed by the National Anthem by the EHS Chamber Singers.
The graduating seniors who comprised the top 10% of their class academically, led the ceremonies. Ragan Speer delivered an inspirational message and Kaitlyn Luster welcomed everyone in the packed out stadium. Emma Shore recognized special guests in the audience including all of the retiring EHS personnel. Owen Jennings spoke next, sharing all of the class information for his classmates. EHS principal Amanda Burton then delivered her address to the graduating class reminding them to carry their values, their school spirit, their hard work and the power of perseverance with them wherever life carries them. She urged them to “never lose sight of the values instilled in you from your small hometown pride, humble beginnings and unmatched school spirit. As you begin your next journey, let the words of your student section chant be engraved in your heart. Let it propel you forward in all that you do.” Mrs. Burton then stepped beside of the podium as she led the graduates in their chant, screaming “NEVER BACK DOWN, NEVER WHAT?” as the seniors replied, “NEVER GIVE UP!” And the audience erupted in cheers. She then thanked them for the memories and for the legacy of school spirit that the class of 2024 leaves with EHS and wished them all a life of success.
Senior Leah White spoke next, sharing her class poem, “One Day,” with the audience. White took everyone on a journey with the class of 2024 from their first day of school at the elementary school through their last days of high school. “Highschool ended in the blink of an eye. Today is the day we’ve been expecting for years. Now, we officially start our adult lives. Now, we leave our parents to go off to college or join the workforce. The one day we’ve anticipated for 13 long years is today. Now, we start the rest of our lives and look forward to our new one-day goals in life.”
Macy Lane, Lydia Teachey, Mallory Wall and Sophie Welborn all gave graduate speeches, sharing more sweet memories and well wishes for the future. Announcement of the diplomas was given by Assistant Principal Heath Foster as Mrs. Burton presented the diplomas to each senior as their names were called. The Chamber Singers presented special music, “Closer to the Flame,” led by retiring choral director, Tonya Smith. Mrs. Burton then declared the class as graduates as caps were sent flying high into the night sky.
Senior Avery Pence delivered the farewell speech, reminding the seniors that they are in control of their journey moving forward. “We are responsible for piloting our own lives. And soon enough, we will be on our way. No longer will we have peers, teachers or parents to rely on day in and day out. We cannot continue to hide behind thoughts such as ‘we have another year,’ or ‘I’ll figure it out later.’ Later is here, our time is here, our flight is taking off.” Pence continued, “regardless of the uncertainties, fears and obstacles that stand in our way, we should find comfort in the fact that such feelings are only temporary. With persistence, grit, determination and passion, fellow graduates, we can overcome anything.”
Maggie Tomlin, joined by the top 10% students on the podium, led their classmates and the audience, one last time in singing the EHS alma mater song, with hands waving in the air. Tomlin’s voice cracking with emotion, led, “Far below the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a place we love; And we live there always seeking Higher aims above. We’ve a school of which we’re proud, we’ll always be true. This we sing our Alma Mater, TO OUR GOLD AND BLUE!”
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