On Friday evening, twenty-two Seniors completed the tradition of walking across the stage, celebrating their many years of hard work and dedication, to enter into a brand new “stage” of life.
This year’s speaker was Macks Creek High School Music teacher, Ms. Melani Biggers. Ms. Biggers began her speech by encouraging the Seniors to look around at all the people that were there to help celebrate their success and accomplishment. She also shared memories of when she first had them as 8th graders: loud, opinionated, and confident together. As she had them in class more over the last five years and watched them grow. Ms. Biggers then spoke on four key points. Make an effort: “Life is about showing up and committing to do your best, even when TikTok and sleep are calling your name.” Keep a positive attitude: “Even if that is just you taking a moment to go find a YouTube video that makes you laugh, find something to smile about in each day, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.” Be coachable: “Even if you don’t agree with the advice or what you are being told to do, be gracious.” Always be kind: “You never know what a person is going through or has gone through to get where they are; a little bit of kindness can make a huge difference to them.”
Just before the Salutatorian and Valedictorian speeches was a special presentation. , came to present Associates of Arts degrees to two Seniors, Miss Brooklyn Duggan and Miss Addison Ratliff. “As a participant of the State Fair Early College program, these students have not only completed all the requirements for a high school diploma, but have also completed all the necessary requirements to obtain an Associates of Arts degree.”
Salutatorian, Miss Brooklyn Duggan, was the next speaker of the evening. Brooklyn also brought attention to all the people in the room who have been there for them even when they might not have realized it. She went on to thank various teachers and staff that had made an impact on her life, including her classmates that were sitting with her. She brought attention to how they will always face adversity as they go through their lives after high school that their mindset is going to determine the outcome of their lives. She closed out her speech by saying, “So let this be a reminder: no matter how far we go, no matter where life takes us, we will always be bound together by the lessons and the laughter we’ve shared here. Our story doesn’t end today. It’s only just begun.”
The night’s final speech was given by class Valedictorian, Miss Addison Ratliff. Addison began by also thanking members of the faculty and staff that had made an impact in her life as a student at Macks Creek. She also thanked her instructors at LCTC for the time they spent helping her during her time there. Addison also thanked her mom and dad for the amount of support that they have shown her over the years. She then shifted to her classmates and thanked them for the memories they made and how welcoming they were when she began school at Macks Creek. She urged them to take risks and accept different challenges that may push them outside of their comfort zones. To help close out her speech, “And when you feel discouraged or scared (which you will) look around right now and see all of the people that are here and rooting for you. Remember that each day and every one of you are surrounded by countless people that will support you no matter what you face.”
Following the conclusion of the speeches attendees watched the Senior Slideshow. The tradition of handing out flowers was observed. During this time a flower is presented by the graduate to a family member, friend, or person that has been a part of their lives. When the slideshow ended the Pirate Award was presented to Mr. Trinity Husong.
The final part of the night was the moment all the students, friends, and family anticipated - the name of each graduate announced as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Board President Liz Stoner and members of the Board past and present with a graduating Senior, helped present a diploma to each Senior. The Macks Creek R-V School District would like to congratulate the Class of 2025 and wish them luck in their new adventures!
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