It was as if Saturday’s rains gave up trying to dampen the “reign” of the 235 graduating members of the Cavalier Class of 2024 and their families and moved on during Commencement at Tommy Thompson Field. This dovetailed with Senior Address Speaker Ashlyn Newman’s challenge to classmates to not fear failure but fear missing a chance.
“Reflecting on what we have done...on improving...Change is the answer to this problem. Change is something that is inevitable but it is inevitably good,” said senior Avery Hart. “We should embrace change with open arms. Embrace the opportunity it presents and the transformation it brings. Remember...you have the power to change your destiny. Change requires discipline...requires motivation...change requires grit. All of us have room to change and improve ourselves. Those who are stagnant are those who fall behind. Change is not easy. I don’t know a single person without their flaws but I know those who have recognized theirs and risen above them. You all have earned this graduation and have earned the right to celebrate it. The life we are embarking on will be like something we have never known so we hang on to the memories we have had and that is OK.”
Newman’s senior address to her classmates opened with frankly sharing from Dr. Seuss and even the Disney character “Lightning McQueen.” She told them of struggles she had initially from the standards she had set for herself, stressing that a sense of fear should instead be a sense of not missing a chance.
“Failure was such a real fear that I forgot to take opportunities. I realized this fear was paralyzing me and you have to learn from it. Failure is a future ally, you just have to learn from it. I realized from elementary school up to now I’d been stuck on an unattainable standard I’d set for myself,” said Newman. “Perfection is an unrealistic goal. Our friend Lightning McQueen said life is a highway full of unexpected detours and curves and exits. In other words...life is a marathon. Although you parents probably don’t want to hear it, changing our minds is not a sign of failure it is a sign of a lane change on the highway of our life. We cannot be in control of every aspect of our lives but we can overcome our setbacks. It is through trial and error we have a better opportunity. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to do our very best. We have to realize striving for perfection can turn into a life of fulfillment with the acknowledgement of lessons learned along the way. In a short moment we will have a high school diploma in our hands and embark on a journey of a lifetime. Many of you will take jobs which you didn’t initially have in mind. This is not failure...it just means your journey will take a little longer to get where you are going. So be it as long as you end up where you wanted to be. As you journey onward, don’t fear failure. Embrace it.”
Carroll County High Principal Charles “Chuck” Thompson wryly noted his career as a weather forecaster was over. He said the Class of 2024 overwhelmingly wanted to have commencement outside, which was greeted by enthusiastic applause, whistles and cheers from the seniors and families in the stands.
“Well....That is not what I expected!,” quipped Thompson. “I am honored to be here today and even more honored to be the principal for this great class graduating from Carroll County High School. Our seniors are being supported by $2,863,195 in scholarship money! I know with construction going on we took your senior parking lot away from you....yes we had classes in the gym lobby...yes the hall became the band room.... and I found 13 seniors in my basement Thursday morning. I have such great respect for this class. You show up. Just show up. You show up for your family...your friends...when people need help... you just show up. Do good for people and you’ll feel good too. Surround yourself with people who light up when you enter the room. Remember this. Every good day is a good day. Even the bad ones.”
School Superintendent Dr. Mark Burnette told the graduates they were “on hallowed ground,” noting if the school could talk the stories it could tell and the stage they would walk across contained the memories of classes before them. He praised the day as the culmination of the hard work of students, faculty and staff and family....a culmination of their educational journey and that a high school diploma was like a “learners permit for life.”
“This not only represents academic achievement but also growth and development. Each one of you has demonstrated a determination in the face of challenges and in the pursuit of your goals and a commitment to excellence that has brought you to this moment. As you stand at this moment of a new beginning, the next chapter of your lives, reflect on the journey that brought you here,” said Burnette. “You are the architects of your own destiny. The world is at your fingertips. Never sell yourself short of what you might do. You have the power to make a difference. As I’ve told every graduating class before you....go out and see the world, spread your wings and do everything you plan to do. When you are finished with your adventures come back to Carroll County and plant your roots. We want you here and need you back home.”
David Broyles may be reached at 276-779-4013 or at dbroyles@thecarrollnews.com
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