LINCOLN -- High school officially came to an end with a grand farewell for 86 Lincoln graduates during commencement exercises held at Lincoln High School gymnasium on Thursday.
Speaking for her classmates, Madison Rich noted they were reaching a huge milestone in their lives.
"This class has made a huge impact in this town," Rich said. "I offer one piece of advice, never give up and keep trying cause the limit does not exist to the possibilities."
After a choral performance of Garth Brooks' The River, salutatorian Morgan Prince addressed those gathered for the occasion. Prince noted the class today faces innumerable choices.
"We will choose who we will be, we will choose where we will go and we will choose what we will accomplish," Prince said.
Prince talked about the story of each life unfolding, contrasting the influences of protagonists and antagonists each graduate will encounter in their own personal story. Prince encouraged each graduate to associate with protagonists and overcome negative experiences with antagonists.
"I encourage you to surround yourself with these people, protagonists, who will lift you up," Prince said, adding, "Never allow the antagonists in your story to bring you down."
She concluded her message with a series of challenges to the class.
"Dare you to be great, dare to fail but to lift yourself back up, dare to succeed and dare to be happy."
Valedictorian Ashley Harris told her classmates she was a little nervous entering high school four years ago but leaves with a grateful heart.
"High school can be intimidating but also a place of growth," Harris said. "We have much to be thankful for."
Harris acknowledged families of each graduate saying the Class of 2015 felt comfort in knowing their families were always there to encourage and support them throughout high school, especially when presented with highs and lows. Harris reminded the class to also be thankful for one another, friendships made and mutual support enjoyed.
"Graduation is a time to set goals to look to the future," Harris said. "I encourage each graduate to face their fears. You can get there with determination, dedication and focus you learned in high school."
School board President Jim Ayers presented each graduate with their diploma accompanied by Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Spears and Dean of Students Deon Birkes announcing each graduate. Graduates were congratulated by the rest of the school board: Nick Brewer, Connie Meyer, Kendra Moore, and Dax Moreton, before returning to their seats.
The class of 2015 received a total of about $1.7 million in scholarships and in recognition of a senior prank were admonished to hold fast to the principles of an acronym, PRANK: Permission, remember to ask; Responsibility; be Accountable; Negotiate when necessary; and be Kind-hearted.
General News on 05/27/2015