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Saturday, June 13, 2009 10:14 PM Life changing fast for high school graduates By Stephanie Creech and Janet Connor-Knox Times Staff Writers On Saturday afternoon, Rachel Parker was surrounded by family and friends who gathered to celebrate her graduation from Fike High School. Come June 23, Rachel will be on her own when she leaves for basic training for the U.S. Army. For Rachel, and the hundreds of other students who graduated from Wilson County Schools' three high schools Saturday, life is already changing fast for them and their diplomas are barely in their hands. Rachel's mother, Darlene Smith, believes her daughter is ready for boot camp and Army life. "She's tough," Smith said. "She can go through it. She's real smart. I'm real proud of her." A few feet away, Ty-Breen Cobb-Leonard's family was trying to make her smile more for her graduation day photographs. "Smile. Smile. No more high school," they said to Ty-Breen as she posed for another picture. While her joy didn't necessarily show in her facial expressions, Ty-Breen said she was ecstatic about graduating. Ty-Breen plans to attend Paine College in Augusta, Ga. and study business and communications. She wants to own her own marketing firm in the future. Ty-Breen said she wants to be "wealthy and successful." Ty-Breen's mother, Lori Cobb-Leonard, said she was intensely proud of her daughter. "I prayed for it," Cobb-Leonard said. "I prayed she would make this one." Throughout Saturday, fellow students, family members and speakers reminded the Class of 2009 that graduating from high school is one of the first major milestones in their lives. Wilson County Schools Superintendent Larry Price told the graduates at each school that even though these times are filled with uncertainty and anxiety he takes pride and comfort in knowing they will be among tomorrow's leaders. Price said hard work, competency and intellectual curiosity among other positive attributes can't be downsized. He urged the graduates to use their past to create a bigger future. Price told the graduates to step out with confidence that they will make their future greater than their past. Fike alumnus Barry Ray of the Class of 1985 was the guest speaker for Fike's ceremony. His message, given in the form of a letter to the graduates from their families, asked the graduates to build and maintain a reputation of high character and to remember that they never stand taller than when they are bending over to help others. He urged them to go places they've never been but to never forget the place they call home. "Live a life so when you die even the mortician will cry," Ray said. Joshua Sims-Crowell was all smiles as he hugged and kissed his younger sisters Denea and Essence after the Beddingfield graduation. Joshua will be going to North Carolina Central University in the fall on a football and academic scholarship. "This has been a great year for me in school," Joshua said. "I was really excited about being a senior and I can't wait to be a freshman in college. Another new beginning." His mother Deborah Sims said Joshua's graduation is emotional for her also. "I've done what the Lord told me to do and raised him up right," she said. "Now it is time for him to use his wings and soar." E. D. Hall, assistant superintendent of Johnston County schools, said he felt right at home at Beddingfield High School. Hall, who was the keynote speaker, told the crowd he was one of the first teachers to teach at Beddingfield. "Once a Beddingfield Bruin, always a Beddingfield Bruin," he said. In his address to the students, Hall gave his "tip" for success for the future. Hall said the "T" was for teamwork, the "I" stood for integrity and the "P" for preparation. "Most people don't remember what was said during their graduation ceremony," Hall said. "But if you can remember the tip from this ceremony, I promise it will help you throughout your life." Eduardo Picasso, Beddingfield's valedictorian, said he has never been happier in his life. "I can't even talk without crying," he said hugging his mother Graciella Picasso Romero. But soon Romero will be the one shedding tears as her son goes back to Mexico to the University of Monterrey for his education. Graduates at Hunt High School expressed some hesitation and nervousness about heading out into the world. Rachel Kidder said she is happy and scared. "I don't know what the future holds," she said. "But I'm about to venture out and do my best." Kimberly Johnson said she is nervous about going away to Gardner Webb University. "It's not that I don't want to grow up, I have to do that," said Kimberly. "It's just that my mom and dad will be four hours away. Sometimes a girl needs a hug from her parents." Jennifer Robinson said she is happy to see her son adventure into manhood. "My life is going to change real fast," said Pierre Surrette. "I will be starting basic training in the Marines July 13," Pierre received a $56,000 scholarship from the Marines and he intends to be a computer programmer. Fans blowing in Hunt's gymnasium, which sounded like a bad song, became part of the ambiance as parents stood when their child's name was called to accept their high school diploma. Johnathan Dail, senior class representative, encouraged his fellow classmates to come back to the Wilson community with what they have learned and help improve their hometown. "If you are successful, help your neighbor to be successful, too," he said. "We have to be our brother's keeper." Johnathan said they should look forward to making their community better. "Who knows, maybe by the time our kids graduate the gym will be air conditioned," he said. creech@wilsontimes.com | 265-7822 |
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BHS grad said...
I think you should double check your facts. Emily Harrell was Valedictorian at Beddingfield.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 8:58 PM
I think you should double check your facts. Emily Harrell was Valedictorian at Beddingfield.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 8:58 PM
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