East Surry High School Graduates celebrated at the end of the ceremony with a shower of silly string. The graduation exercises were held at the ESHS Athletic Field on Friday.
What: East Surry High School Class of 2012 Graduation Exercises.
Where: The East Surry High School Athletic Field.
When: The ceremony was held at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Number of Graduates: 132.
What Principal Diane Beane said: Beane reported to the crowd some statistics about the Class of 2012. She said 92 percent of the graduates plan to further their education after high school. Beane also said that 61 percent of this group will attend a two-year college with two members of the class going directly into the armed forces.
Beane also told the crowd that 50 students have a weighted grade point average of 4.0 or higher and a total of $1.9 million in scholarships had been awarded to the senior class. She led the graduates in a pledge that included a promise to hold their diploma as a sacred trust and to serve others.
What the Valedictorian said: Valedictorian Ashley Marie Jessup reminded classmates that their journey began at Westfield and Shoals Elementary. “We all managed to end up here at East Surry High School together,” said Jessup. “We laughed together, we cried together and we walked together across the stage together but we are about to begin our journey individually.” She challenged the class to do their best and to set high goals. She told them to not forget they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” She also told the group to slow down and enjoy life because soon it will be memories. She thanked faculty, staff and parents for their support and thanked Jesus Christ for sealing her future.
What the Salutatorian said: Salutatorian Jacob Landon Scott said it seemed like it would take forever to reach their senior year but it had finally come to pass. He thanked God for making it possible for he and his classmates to be there. He also thanked parents, teachers for their support. “It has been an experience to be a part of the class of 2012,” said Scott. He said he would never forget the first day of school, laughing so hard you’d cry and how it felt to score that winning point. He ended by reminding classmates that the most important thing was to always follow God.
What the graduates did: Many graduates thanked the principal as they received their diplomas. Adam Robertson Griffith received a standing ovation from the group. Madison Jessup told one marshal, “I haven’t fallen yet,” as she carefully descended the stairs in her high heels. Jacob Charles Fregia told Principal Beane he’d miss her too. Kevin Erickson gestured heavenward after receiving his diploma. One graduate did a back flip off the stage. Many grads shook the hand of the marshal on the left of the stage. After being declared graduates, the students sprayed each other with silly string, passed around a beach ball and threw their mortarboards in the air.
Things overheard: The crowd yelling “Git R Done;” various people in the stands using air horns and battle cries to encourage graduates. Some parents yelled out I love yous. One couple in the stands had a large umbrella.
Who was notable in the audience: Members of the Surry County Board of Education. Faculty and staff for East Surry High School, many local law enforcement officers.
Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com.
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