By Carrie A. Mizell
As many parents shed tears Saturday night at Trenton High School’s graduation, seniors tossed beach balls into the air and let out shouts of jubilee.
The mood was far from somber as the 77 Trenton graduates walked across the football field clad in black caps and gowns and boasting big smiles.
“I charge you fellow seniors to learn how to guide your future,” Valedictorian Sarah Heaton said. “This isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. Hold on to your value system, work ethic and most of all, your humanity.”
Heaton went on to say that what the seniors have accomplished throughout their tenure at Trenton schools cannot be measured by grade point averages, transcripts, or even high school diplomas.
Salutatorian Sarah Bussard recalled her favorite memories at THS, which included Senior Swim ’09, a first annual event held on the football field when it rained and flooded the school.
The ceremony had several touching moments, including when the seniors stood up and walked to where their parents were seated, gave them a hug and a carnation. Also, unique to THS, were comments made by Principal Lynette Langford relating to her favorite memories of each graduating senior. Among those 78 mentioned were “Dixie Chicks” Brenna Land and Megan Anderson who chose to attend school at THS rather than in Dixie County where they live. Langford also acknowledged “The Sarahs,” Sarah Heaton and Sarah Bussard who led the band, the class with the highest grade point averages, and their faith. The principal recognized Jordan Gray and Michael Elliott for their superior math skills, which allow them to complete projects in the engineering program. Langford said that Eric Doyle and Caleb Harris will be remembered as aggressive Tiger basketball players and Brandon McElroy truly bleeds orange and black. She told Will George that he is one of the finest young men she has ever known. Langford told Brooke Griffin that she remembers her the longest, recalling when she was in diapers.
In her remarks, Langford pointed out that the seniors in the Class of 2009 were all friends, rather than many different cliques.
“You supported each other,” Langford said. “And so many of you showed your love for the Lord.”
According to Langford, over half of the graduating seniors have already started their college level work through dual enrollment classes. Langford also said that this year’s seniors had set a new school record for most skip days.
“I hope you all will remember your roots and where you came from,” Langford said.
Superintendent Don Thomas encouraged the graduating seniors to use their diplomas as a key to unlock many doors.
“Remember, we are your biggest fans,” Thomas said.
Once the diplomas were awarded, the recessional was held, and the seniors tossed their graduating caps high into the air before the principal could even present them as the graduating class of 2009.
Sarah Bussard & Whitney Buckingham
Jordan Gray & Amanda Harmer
Jessica Langford & C.J. Bowers
Colby Eastman & Brooke Griffin
Caleb Harris & Ryan Leasor
Russel Williams and Drew Ybanez
Trenton High School senior Rebecca Hogle sings the National Anthem
during graduation Saturday evening.
Valedictorian Sarah Heaton gets a hug from her dad Kent Heaton.
Jasmine Powell shares a hug with family members and friends.
