Graduates Reflect On Past, Look To Future

SUNNYVALE—The commencement exercises for the Wills Point High School class of 2008 were held last Saturday at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church and it was a time of remembrance for the last 12 years, and for one classmate that was unable to be there.

Class president Ali Brewer opened the ceremony by welcoming and thanking those present for joining in the celebration. Brewer gave a special acknowledgement to the senior class sponsors, Penny Harris and Karen Shepherd.

Student body president, Katie Gillespie led the assembly in prayer.

Superintendent Joe Oliver addressed the assembly by thanking the parents.

"It’s an honor and a privilege to welcome you to the graduation ceremonies for 2008," Oliver said. "We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of these graduates and we want to thank the parents for producing such outstanding students, and thank you for allowing us to be a part of their lives."

"We truly hope today that you can enjoy this ceremony, and that the students can reflect to many fond memories that you have had through the years in Wills Point schools."

After thanking her parents, teachers, church family and God, salutatorian Omeika Green took her classmates on a walk through the years.

"Often we reflect on the past to learn from our mistakes, our poor judgments, and recognize things that could be improved," Green said. "But today we recognize the mark that has been left by the class of 2008. We have had a long walk to finish the race."

Green shared remembrances from the adventure of being dropped off at school for the first time, and outgrowing things like naptime.

She also remembered 9/11 while she and classmates were in middle school, and being dubbed as "the worst class to ever come through Wills Point Junior High."

Green’s memories of the high school years were of teachers, "honestly, I loved them all in some way or form."

"Our class has been through a lot together. We have cried together, laughed together and fought with one another, but have always had each other’s back. We have learned valuable lessons that we should love one another and not take life for granted. We have gained a lifetime bond with each other.

"We have run our mile, and left a mark that will live on forever, the class of 2008 will never be forgotten."

Before speaking, valedictorian Jessica Phillips presented the Spade Award to the top junior, Sabrina McCutcheon.

During her opening remarks, Phillips thanked her family, the administration, faculty and school board, and spoke on behalf of her classmates by thanking "all the parents for their support, and raising us in a town and school district that’s big enough to be competitive, but not so large that you get lost in the shuffle. And, if I may, I’d like to ask my fellow classmates to give all of you a round of applause."

"We may not know why events of our past happened the way they did, or understand them," Phillips said. "But they have certainly shaped the world we live in today. They have played a role in determining the people we have yet to become."

Phillips turned to the future, saying, "It is a mystery we must face, with magnifying glasses in hand, gathering clues that will help us find the keys to unlock our success. We are about to journey to an exciting land where everything is new, and the possibilities are endless."

"Graduating from high school is something to be very proud of, but don’t let it be your highest achievement," Phillips said. "Dare to take the road less traveled; your dreams are probably at the other end."

"We’ve been through a lot together and have already achieved so much. So let’s continue to set records and make history. Let’s live our lives so we go out with a bang."

The presentation of diplomas included the posthumous presentation of an honorary diploma to Justin Dugger’s parents, Darrel and Sheri Dugger. The Duggers received a standing ovation throughout their walk across the stage.