By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Jun 10, 2015, 14:17
PRINCE GEORGE — Graduates of Prince George High School were welcomed with clear skies on Saturday as they crossed the stage, receiving their diplomas and beginning a new chapter in their lives.
“This is the end of something great, but it is also the beginning of something even better,” said valedictorian Roxy Sherrick.
The graduating class of 2015 excelled in their studies, which showed in the honors received and the number of scholarships given to the graduates. In a total class of 397 students, 59 of the students graduated with honors, meaning they kept at least a 4.0-grade point average throughout their school career. This is the most number of honor graduates in the history of Prince George High School. The students also received more than $1,690,000 in scholarships to continue their education.
Class president Jessica Honaker encouraged her fellow classmates to walk away from graduation with the confidence to change the world.
“We are now at the time of our life where we figure out our next step,” said Honaker. “Challenge yourself, chase your dreams. And make things happen in your life. We can make a difference.”
The PGHS class of 2015 graduated with two salutatorians, Meaghan Elliott and Sarah Moore. The two, along with Student Government Association President Edward Bernard Saunders III, all spoke to their fellow graduates about memories made at the high school, both good and bad.
“We have experienced a long and bumpy road, filled with heartaches and triumphs. We have lost title-winning games, had beloved teachers retire, and even lost fellow royals. But we should also be thankful. It is through these hard times, that we have pushed to work hard, learn more and even spread the royal name nationwide. It is our experiences that have gotten us here today,” said Saunders.
Assistant Superintendent Renee Williams spoke to the graduates in place of the superintendent this year. While speaking to the graduates, she gave lessons on how to live life using the story of Noah’s Ark as an example.
Some of the advice she gave to the graduates was to plan ahead, aim high, to trust yourself, and to remember that creatures of all sizes are important in the big scheme of things. Williams also reminded students to stay focused, and not to give up, no matter what happens to them in the future.
“No matter how bleak it looks, there is always a rainbow on the other side,” said Williams.
