Farmington High Graduates 170

FARMINGTON -- With hoopla, cheers, yells, balloons, and a few crying babies, 170 seniors graduated from Farmington High School last week, crossing the portable stage at Cardinal Arena to receive diplomas and a congratulatory handshake from Principal Jon Purifoy.

"What an amazing four years this has been," Purifoy said, standing in front of the graduates during the Commencement ceremony held May 16. "I watched you come in as freshmen, while I was a fresh new principal. I have watched you grow and mature to the fine young adults you are today."

Speaking on behalf of himself and the faculty and staff of Farmington High School, Purifoy told a standing-room-only crowd how proud school staff was of the graduates.

"We expect to see great accomplishments from them in the future as they take what they have learned and experienced in school and use it to make our world a better place."

Bryan Law, superintendent of schools, also congratulated students.

"This is one chapter in the book of life, certainly not the first chapter, certainly not the last chapter," Law said. "There are many great opportunities out there for these students. We look forward to seeing what lies out there for each one of them individually and look forward to many other roles they will play."

Dean of Students Jay Harper announced that graduates had accepted almost $2.4 million in college scholarships.

The ceremony opened as the Class of 2017 walked into the ground floor of the basketball arena to "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the high school band.

The school's honor choir, Crimson Select Ensemble, sang the National Anthem and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You."

Class Vice President Tabatha Taylor welcomed everyone and seniors Shandreka McCullough, Alexy Oslica and Bayleigh Bond gave the traditional class history. Starting with kindergarten, the students shared a few highlights from each year through 12th grade.

Graduates Tanner Barnes was class valedictorian and Kailey Larkins was class salutatorian.

Barnes said he was "incredibly honored and humbled" to speak to his classmates. He said he struggled on what to say, praying for guidance and that the Lord would use him to deliver a message "that blesses each of us as we begin our separate journeys."

He used words from the Rascal Flatts song, "We Wish," as part of his message. In part, the chorus of the song talks about dreams staying big and worries staying small. The writer's wish is that "life becomes all that you want it to."

Continuing the theme, Barnes encouraged the graduates to first dream big and realize that whatever they are chasing is worth the "time, effort and faith" required to make it a reality.

"To be honest with you, your dreams should scare you and if they don't you're not dreaming big enough. But they should excite you far more."

Second, Barnes warned them worries would continue.

In times of doubt, he told them to find hope in a verse in the Bible that says, "Who among you by worrying can add a single hour unto this life." (Matthew 6:25) Reflect on what is really worth the concern, Barnes said.

"If these last four years have taught me anything, it's that I know that each one of us possesses a unique ability to combat whatever obstacle that may be put in our path, to view every challenge as an opportunity to grow and mature and to see every worry for what it is, a small roadblock on a glorious path to success."

Larkins said she looked forward to the future of the Class of 2017.

"There's no doubt in my mind that the seeds we have planted here at Farmington will grow into something beautiful and that the legacy we will leave will make our parents, friends and teachers proud," Larkins said.

Juniors Justin Cademo and Coleman Warren served as sentinels at the ceremony. Ushers were juniors Janie Amerine, Tatum Holt, Jordan Horn, Camryn Journagan, Javan Jowers, Kera McCain, Isabella McPherson, Cody Parrish and Jake Taylor.