The community packed the bleachers at Hemingford High School on Saturday afternoon, taking time to recognize class of 2023 for their accomplishments and to celebrate their graduation.
Dr. Travis Miller, Superintendent of Hemingford Public Schools, said it is exciting to see the graduates take their next steps in the journey of their lives.
“We’re extremely proud of them and excited to see what they will do now that they’ve completed their high school education and are ready to move on to the next phase of their life,” said Miller.
Miller recognized the efforts of all the staff at Hemingford Public Schools in helping to build a foundation for the graduates to build on.
“It takes a whole lot of people to get a group of students from kindergarten round up to graduation,” Miller said. “I am just so grateful for all of the parents and teachers and the support personnel in our school district for helping our students achieve what they are capable of. I’m extremely grateful to the faculty and staff for all that they do; the board of education for the support that they provide; the community for the resources they invest in the children of this community. I just wish the class of 2023 the very best.”
During the ceremony, Salutatorian Taren Hunter spoke to those gathered, thanking the teachers and family members who have played a role in shaping his academic successes. He shared advice for the underclassmen, advising them to enjoy their experience in school while it lasts.
“Firstly, don’t worry so much about your grades,” said Hunter. “If you get all worked up about your grades, you won’t be able to enjoy school, as long as you’re not failing. Secondly, you should go out and try out for activities like football, cross country, one act, speech, depending on what you like.”
He also advised students to forge friendships with their classmates, citing the support that friends can offer. Valedictorian Arielle Lawrence spoke about the journey to become valedictorian, noting that many sacrifices were made to reach that goal.
“When I was told the news about being awarded valedictorian, I felt accomplished and happy for myself, for about 20 minutes,” said Lawrence. “The amount of time, memories and love that were lost in those two years was something more valuable than my title. I am forever grateful and beyond blessed for I was able to achieve this substantial award, but I lost time with my loved ones and my friends to get my 96 percent up to a 99 percent. I lost confidence in myself because I wasn’t doing as well as my mind wanted me to. My ultimate take away from this experience is a grade that you get from a single math test or an English essay won’t define you or your worth when it comes to the real world. Being the best you is the best anyone can ask for every day.”
She encouraged her classmates to look fondly on the growth that they experienced together.
“We may not have grown up fully, but we have grown up together like the imperfectly perfect family that we are,” said Lawrence. “I know that we all go our separate ways, but the memories and tears that we shared at Hemingford High School will never fade. They will only grow fonder in each of our hearts.”
Miller offered advice to the class of 2023, echoing a sentiment he shared with students at the beginning of the school year.
“When we started the school year, I shared with them that leaders are followers of what is good, what is true and what is right, and so my advice to them would remain the same: to be good leaders as followers of what is good, what is true and what is right,” Miller said.
The following are photos from the ceremony:
