PILOT MOUNTAIN — When reflecting on all the things she could speak about in her commencement address for the Class of 2024, East Surry High School principal Shannon DuPlessis said the one word that kept reoccurring in her notes was pride.
“The faculty and staff of East Surry High School takes great pride in each and every one of these young adults donning their caps and gowns today,” DuPlessis said. “Each one of them represents a 13 year journey, and along that journey, many people have helped to mold each one of these young adults. I take great pride in serving a community that wraps its support around these students, not just when things are good, but during the challenges and times of celebration.
“I am proud of the work of our teachers, our staff members, and our community for making the investment in each one of these young lives, and celebrating their personal journeys as they carve out their impact on our community and our world.”
That community of proud family members, friends, faculty and staff flooded Barry Hall Field on May 24 to celebrate the Class of 2024.
‘Everything happens for a reason’
Each Cardinal graduate took a different path to graduation, but one obstacle they all faced was COVID.
“We all thought we were going to have a two-week spring break, but then it turned into months and months of no school,” said Senior Class President Tristen Sechrist.
While the idea of not attending school in person initially sounded great, Tristen said, she soon realized her class wouldn’t be able to experience milestones such as their eighth-grade trip, eighth-grade formal or eighth-grade graduation.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Tristen kept reminding herself of a simple yet profound belief that shaped her perspective on life: Everything happens for a reason.
“It reminds us that every step we take, every challenge we face, and every decision we make is part of a larger plan,” Tristen said. “You know that argument you just had with your parents about where to eat after graduation, it happened for a reason. That job you were hoping to get but didn’t, it happened for a reason. You not getting into your dream school, it happened for a reason. Graduation happening on the baseball field, it happened for a reason.
“Whether you are heading to college with your best friend, stepping straight into the workforce, serving our country, or taking a much-needed break to find your own path, trust that you are exactly where you need to be. God will guide us in the direction we need to go, and each of these paths will lead us to our true purpose.
“As we move forward from this day, let’s carry this belief in our hearts. Let’s embrace the unknown with confidence and courage, knowing that we are on the right path. Every experience, good or bad, will contribute to the person we are meant to become.”
It’s only the beginning
Over their nearly 13 years together, Student Body President Katie Pell said members of the Class of 2024 made countless memories that will stick with them forever. Over the past 10 months, many of those memories were “lasts.” This includes the graduates’ last time on a field, court, mat, track or stage, their final homecoming, prom or spirit week, and much more.
“Before we know it, we will all be experiencing many firsts, regardless of what the future holds for us,” Katie said.
As the members of the Class of 2024 continues their journeys by attending college, learning a trade, getting a job, joining the military or anything else they can dream of, Katie encouraged her classmates that keys to their success will be faith and hope.
“Hope is not merely a wishful thought or a fleeting emotion; it is a force that propels us forward, inspiring us to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow, despite the challenges we face today,” she said. “It is the beacon of light that guides us through the darkest of nights, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always reason to believe in a brighter future.”
Hope alone is not enough, Katie added. It requires action, and one way to do that is to find purpose in helping others.
“A valuable lesson I have learned from Coach (William) Hart is that being a leader starts with service and what you can do to benefit others; I will take this with me throughout the rest of my life,” Katie said. “So let us be beacons of hope in a world that often feels consumed by darkness. Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, and let us never take for granted the blessings that surround us each and every day.
“Together, let us inspire one another to be the best versions of ourselves. Walk into the next chapter of your life with a smile on your face because high school was not the end, but only the beginning.”
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