MCA graduates looking toward horizon

The need to look beyond the horizon was a common theme at the seventh-annual commencement ceremony for Millennium Charter Academy.

While MCA’s Class of 2024, with 23 students, is smaller than that of other high schools in the area, everyone present more than made up for that Saturday morning during a program filled with celebration, anticipation and enthusiasm.

“We are a different breed,” said Eden Gravely, one of two seniors who delivered an honor address to a packed house in the campus gymnasium. Millennium Charter Academy caters to students “who think critically and independently,” she explained.

“Parents, you’ve done an amazing job of choosing this school.”

Eden and others who spoke praised the knowledge, skills and other tools obtained at MCA in preparing them for what comes next — although some apprehension was expressed concerning the inevitable uncertainties of the future.

Senior Natalie Cockerham, who also rendered an honor address, likened this to being on a boat and looking toward the horizon (the line at which the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet) and seeing “nothing” ahead.

“We’re moving toward the horizon into the unknown,” added Natalie, who provided a ray of light in looking toward that realm.

“I do know that the lessons I learned at this school will stay with me for the rest of my life,” she said. “I am so excited to see what the future holds.”

The looming spectre of the horizon also was referenced by the person who delivered Saturday’s keynote address, Dr. Josh Herring, professor of classical education at Thales College in Wake Forest, just north of Raleigh.

“In a literal sense, it’s impossible to move beyond the horizon,” Herring said of a curvature that can’t even be seen unless viewed from at least 100,000 feet in the air.

Herring encouraged more down-to-earth looks at one’s horizon which can be discerned.

“You will meet people who see the world much different than you do,” he advised, and understanding their horizons is a key to achieving cooperation and success otherwise.

Saturday’s guest speaker also urged MCA graduates to make sure their horizons of the great beyond are firmly grounded in basic principles such as striving for excellence and wisdom.

“Seek wisdom — it is worth far more than gold or silver,” he said. “Wisdom is worth the cost.”

Another thing Herring urged of students is to be honest and not compromise their principles to move up in the job ranks or accomplish other things that might seem important but aren’t in the long run.

One’s reputation can take years to build — “and moments to shatter,” he warned.

Look beyond yourselves, Herring told the Class of 2024.

“Go beyond the horizon and live great lives.”

Grateful for MCA

Despite uncertainties surrounding the future, ample optimism was expressed Saturday, along with an appreciation for where the MCA seniors have come.

“We are supposed to look to the future, but right now I think it’s a great time to remember our past,” said Eden Gravely, one of the student speakers.

“High school has been filled with so many ups and downs,” fellow student Natalie Cockerham observed. “But I would not trade the experiences I had for anything.”

“This year has been such a blessing” in particular, Eden said. “I have been truly blessed by everyone here.”

That sentiment also goes both ways, with MCA Upper School Director Dr. Jarrid Looney, for one, telling the seniors how much they have meant to him.

“I am filled with a profound sense of pride and admiration,” Looney said, mentioning that he has seen the class grow academically and as people.

The idea of “what comes next” also was touched on in a bit of comic relief offered Saturday by two seniors who presented a humorous class prophecy that had everyone laughing at times, Isaac Shipley and Ryver Woodson.

Going to college and learning that “laundry does not do itself,” is one dose of reality to come, according to the pair’s presentation.

“May your future be as bright as your phone screen at 2 a.m.” Shipley said in expressing a sense of hope that also had been voiced by Natalie Cockerham.

“Never lose sight of your dreams,” she said.