This year's 2024 graduates wanted to have the shortest graduation in Big Sandy's history, and it was. It only lasted 30 minutes, but it fit this class.
Dan Schrock, Big Sandy Superintendent, welcomed family and friends. His welcome was the only speaker besides the Salutatorian and the Valedictorian. Dan said, "Distinguished guests, and most importantly, graduates. Today marks a significant milestone in your journey to you, your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.'
"It is also a testament to everyone you have had in your corner who have supported you and encouraged you to this point in your lives. As we gather here, we reflect not only on the academic achievements of our graduates but also on the transformative experiences that you've shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today. Each of you has overcome challenges and embraced many opportunities, having grown in ways that have enriched our school and community and inspired many along the way, including the parents, families, and friends who have supported our graduates throughout their academic endeavors. We extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering encouragement, love, and many sacrifices have played an integral role in their success. Today, we celebrate our graduates' achievements and the collective efforts of everyone who has helped them along the way. As we embark on this journey of the ceremony, let us pause to recognize the significance of this moment. Graduation is a combination of commencement and the beginning of new adventures, aspirations, and possibilities. As our graduates prepare to step into the world beyond these walls, they may carry the knowledge, skills, and values instilled during their time here and continue making meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. So, let us rejoice in the celebration and achievement. Let us cherish the memories we have created together and look forward to the hope and optimism of the bright futures that await our graduates on a personal level. Lastly, I want to remind all of our graduates that you are indeed pioneers. You will always be a pioneer, and as such, please go forth with a pioneer spirit. In fully embrace the promise of each day, Captain your ship, your hopes and your dreams, the heart and spirit of the pioneers that have come before you and those that will come after you, and please know that we wish you every success as you go forth and leave your markets."
Conner Sibra, the Salutatorian's speech, was short and fun to listen to! "Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for coming here. I hope you all had a good day and enjoyed kicking off the class of 2024. So the school has been telling me to write a speech for a couple of weeks. Actually, it's been longer than that. I waited until about an hour ago. They just didn't believe me when I told them that I wasn't going to do it. To my class, congratulations. We made some, and it's been great. We've all had a good group of friendships to last a lifetime. Everyone here has capable futures ahead of them and will power through anything you need. In the wise words of Frank and Pete Jarrell, "Don't look back going that way.' Thank you all again for coming, and I'm going to turn it over to the brains of the outfit, Kodi Boone. Take chances-speed up round corners. Thanks."
Kodi Boone, Valedictorian of the class of 2024, started her speech with, "Family, friends, faculty, administrators, and community. Fellow graduates. Good afternoon. It is my honor and privilege to be giving this speech today as the valedictorian of the class of 2024. Today marks the first of many grant milestones that will take place within each and every one of our lives."
"But most importantly, today marks the end of the first chapter of our lives. Soon, a new one will begin after four years of high school. We have finally reached the end. Now it's time for each of us to find our next path: continuing schooling, joining the military, getting a job, taking over the family operation, or simply going out and finding what makes you happy. I don't think we have the same plans for the future; a few years down the road, when we run into each other at who knows where, we'll have the opportunity to share the stories that we've made of our lives and reconnect just like we did in high school these last four years. We achieved many things in sports, FFA, and outside of school. This year, the girl's basketball team went to state. Last year, the boy's basketball team took second at the state championships and brought home the state championship title for football. Over the last four years, many boys in this class have competed and placed individually and as a team in many FFA competitions. These achievements have helped us grow into the people we are today. A famous quote from Albert Einstein says persistence is the most powerful force. It can move mountains after spending the last three years with this class. I completely understand what he meant. Throughout those years, I have seen firsthand just how persistent this class has been. Whether it is used to complete an assignment, convince a teacher to let us spend an hour in the gym, or go to the store. On top of persistence, this class is full of determination. I have seen everyone filled with determination to do a certain something within the last three years. Everyone eventually achieved what they were hoping to. This is why I know we are all on the road to living successful lives, even when none of our definitions of success are quite the same. We all have the potential to do great things within this lifetime, and even many of us can move mountains with our knowledge. I personally can't wait to see what this class can do. And I know this community would agree with me." She thanked the teachers and other Big Sandy High School personnel. "Since this class has always loved the movie Tombstone. It is only fitting that I end this speech with a quote from the one and only Doc Holiday on how not to live a normal life, "Say goodbye to me. Go grab that spirited actress and make her your own. Take that beauty from it; don't look back. Live every second, live right on to the end."
