Congratulations Big Sandy High School Class of 2019

Graduation is always a wonderful time of celebration. Families come from every direction, mother's cry, memory booths for each graduate surround the walls of the gym, and of course the Pomp and Circumstance grand march. Speeches were given by Jaylyn Cline, Valedictorian, and Georgia Wortman, Salutatorian.

Georgia Wortman mentioned the class has so many opportunities in the future. She gave parents, teachers, and her class mates praise and thank you's. She ended with a FFA quote "As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone and above all, honest and fair in the game of life."

Valedictorian Jaylyn Cline also mentioned family, teachers, and friends. She acknowledged this was the last of many lasts. "Take every chance you get to do something with the people around you. You may never see them again. Although this chapter is ending we have so much to look forward to, amazing people and amazing chances. Now it is time to leave. There is so much about this community that helped shape who I am."

The class picked Heather Wolery, Big Sandy Principle, to give them their graduation speech. She used the Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life. Tips from a cool cat for living an Awesome Life by Kimberly and James Dean. Together they read the book while she gave each student personal inspiration. Under each seat of the seniors was an envelope with some very cool sunglasses to help them to get in a groovy kind of mood and a quote they needed to read.

She started with Jaylyn Cline. "If you don't know where you're going, any path will get you there-Lewis Carroll. Jay read, "Go with the flow."

Heather said, "over the last few months I've asked Jay several times what her plans are for next year, and she always answers with 'I don't know.' So, here's my inspiring words for you Jay. Don't worry that you don't know. It doesn't matter because with your hard work, your determination, and your desire to do a good job you will figure out what it is you want to do and where it is you want to go. And whatever you choose, and wherever you go, you will be successful, don't worry, any path will get you there."

Her words for Grace Finke. "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year-Ralph Waldo Emerson." Grace read from the book, "The birds are singing. The sky is bright, the sun is shining, and I'm feeling alright."

Heather said, "Whenever I think of Grace, I think of that bright smile that lights up those blue eyes. You already seem to live out this idea that every day is the best day in the year. Your positive attitude shines through whenever I see you and you always seem content with whatever you're doing. I know that will serve you well in your future, so keep smiling and keep being positive."

For Riley Genereux, "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated---Confucius" Riley read "Keep it simple! Chill out!"

Heather's inspiration for Riley. "I can't think of anyone else who lives this out better than you. You simply know what you want in life and you just go out and accomplish it. You keep things simple by staying focused on your goals and achieving them. You knew you wanted to finish school early so you did. Your ability to keep things simple by just doing what needs to be done will help you be a huge success in whatever thing you choose to do."

For Dallas Geyer, "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn by no other way. ---Mark Twain" Dallas read, "Dud, don't even think about it!"

Heather said, "Life lessons, you have learned a few, and you have learned them in unconventional ways, but what I know about Dallas is that he is very smart, way smarter than he wants anyone to know, and that he is capable of way more than he gives himself credit for. So, I'm going to share another quote with you Dallas, one from Eleanor Roosevelt, "You must do the things you think you cannot do. So, take those lessons you've learned and use them, do all the things you think you can't do, and remember that nothing is impossible."

Inspiration for Tevin Haugen: "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken" .... Oscar Wilde and Tevin's response read back, "If you want to be cool, just be you!"

"Tevin, there was a reason you always got picked for the coolest parts in the plays we did, you made an excellent camel in the Camel in the Camel who went for a Walk and very convincing turkey in the Plump and Perky Turkey. And you did that because you know who you are and you are good at being you. You don't concern yourself with trying to keep up or be what anybody else wants you for you, you are just you and that is a beautiful thing. So just keep being cool, and just keep being you!"

Inspiration for Jade McDougle: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tunes without the words, and never stops at all-Emily Dickinson" and Jade's response read back "Don't lose hope! Keep on Rockin."

"Jade wasn't in the third grade with me, in fact I've only gotten to know her over this last year, so these are my inspiring words for Jade. I think sometimes you worry, and get anxious, and I just want you to remember there is always hope and you are capable of many great things. So, believe in yourself and don't lose hope and everything will work out just fine."

Inspiration for Dusti Phillips: "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors-A Proverb. Dusti read her response, "It can get tough, but you are tougher!"

"We all know that life is tough, but we also all know that you are tougher than life Dusti. You have a grace and dignity about you that makes things seem very easy, when we all know that it's not as simple as it seems. That quiet grace and that determined attitude will help you sail any seas that come your way. So, when the seas get rough and things seem hard just remember that it's life teaching you how to be a better sailor and that you are tough enough to handle it."

Inspiration for Jordon Schwarzbach: "Make each day your masterpiece---John Wooden and Jordon's response "Look for the good in every day!"

"Jordon, you are one of the most easy-going people I know when the rest of us are a little panicked and worried about making sure you're getting everything done, you aren't. You just smile and say, "yeah I got it handled." You look for the good in everyday just by never getting too worried about anything and by always just handling it. Your smile and positive attitude make you a joy to be around and I will miss seeing that big smile and hearing that big voice next year, but I know that you are destined for great things Jordon and I can't wait to see what they are."

Inspiration for Tyler Schwarzbach: "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be-Abraham Lincoln." Respond read by Tyler: "Be Happy".

"Tyler, you are such a happy person and I think some of that happiness comes from your incredible ability to be humble. I see your humility all the time, in fact we are all a little worried about how we are going to handle things around here next year without you. And no matter how many times we ask you to set up the projector, or help us with the stage lights, you never get frustrated...You just happily smile and take care of it... thank you for always being so humble, and so helpful, and so happy.

Inspiration for Everett Sipler: -- "Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work-Thomas Edison" Everett responded by reading "Amazing things happen when you work hard!"

"I think people that work hard at things are also people that are good leaders, that's why I picked this quote for you. You are a good leader. Everett, a stronger leader then I think even you know you are. In the third grade, you were always setting a good example... thank you Everett, for being someone I could count on. You will never know how much that meant to me and I not be surprised at all when you run for President someday and you win."

Inspiration for Shania Walks Over Ice "To begin, begin-William Wordsworth" Shania responded, "Life takes courage; be brave!"

"Shania, life does take courage and no one knows that more than you. You have overcome many obstacles to be here today and I am so proud of you for having the courage to just keep going. I know that this next step seems really scary so I just want you to remember that you are brave enough and you are courageous enough and all you need to do is just begin."

Inspiration for Georgia Wortman "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up-Pablo Picasso". Georgia responded, "It's cool to color outside the lines."

"Georgia, I picked this quote for you because it talks about being creative and you are one of the most creative people I know, whether it's playing music or coming up with some great wonderful plan, you have amazing ideas. When I had you in the third grade you always had the best ideas, the ones that made me go 'why didn't I think of that, that's pretty brilliant. I can't wait to see all the amazing and creative tings you do. I'll be first in line to buy your album someday."

It was clear that Heather Wolrey knew the senior class. We all wish you an inspired life.