May 18, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
Two rounds of thundershowers forced a one hour delay in Friday night’s commencement for the Class of 2018 at DeKalb County High School but the rains couldn’t dampen the spirits of the graduates who waited out the weather to go through with the ceremony and receive their diplomas.
All did not go as planned however. Because of the rains, neither the DCHS Chorus or Band were able to perform as scheduled.
Graduating seniors are now looking toward the next chapter in their lives after saying their goodbyes to DCHS as students.
Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Marshal Evins and Olivia Winter and while the Citizenship Award was presented to Trey Jones.
The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the senior class with strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community and exemplary moral character.
The Citizenship Award is given to a student in the senior class who exemplifies strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community.
The honors, distinction, and top rank students were also recognized during the program.
The 177 graduates received their diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands and posing for pictures with Director of Schools Patrick Cripps and DCHS Principal Randy Jennings as their names were called.
In her remarks, Valedictorian Allison Maynard challenged her classmates to chase their dreams. “ It is okay to make mistakes. The biggest mistake you could possibly make in life in constantly fearing you will make one. Don let yourself stray from your dream. Dreams may change, but you always ned to have a goal set in mind. Tony Gaskins said if you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs. The future is uncertain, but you have the opportunity to make it however you please. Create dreams and do whatever it takes to live them. Take chances, create opportunities, and change the world. We all have the power to do so. It just takes someone to begin it. The secret to getting ahead is getting started,” said Maynard.
Tyree Cripps, Class President, admonished his fellow graduates to set high goals and not let obstacles discourage them. “ I am confident that our class can truly make a change in the world if we set our ambitions high enough. Do not be afraid to set high goals, because with a strong dedicated work ethic, anything is reachable. Obstacles will definitely be in each of our paths, but the way in which we respond to those obstacles is what molds us into who we will be in the future. Oh the places we can go if we just start by putting one foot in front of the other,” said Cripps.
The program featured an Invocation by Kaitlyn Cantrell of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. DCHS Guidance Counselor Lori Myrick introduced the honors and distinction students. Guidance Counselor Shelly Painter recognized the Top Rank students in the class. Principal Jennings presented awards to both the Class Valedictorian Allison Maynard and the Salutatorian Marshal Evins. After the diplomas were presented, the Benediction was delivered to close out the commencement by Trey Jones, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.