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West Iredell graduates look to the future
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Published: June 12, 2009
As the West Iredell High School band began to play "Pomp and Circumstance," family and friends turned their attention toward the graduates awaiting their cue to march.
As the 220 graduates made their way down the track toward their seats in the middle of the football field, all eyes were fixed on them as pictures were snapped and video cameras recordered their every step.
Individuals in the crowd waved and yelled the names of the graduates they came to see. In return, the proud students flashed big smiles and quick waves to their adoring fans.
Michael Gatton, 18, who will attend Guilford College and major in sports administration, said his goal is to receive a college degree. Graduating from high school, he said, was the first step.
"I'm another step toward achieving my career goals," he said.
After remarks given by Principal Todd Holden, graduate Beth Feimster recited a poem titled "The Warrior Drive" and the choir sang "For Just a Little While."
Honor speakers included Daniel Vang, Lindsey Dagenhart, salutatorian Brandon Bruce and valedictorian Abby Miller.
During his speech, Bruce congratulated his class for making it to graduation after four years of hard work.
He encouraged his fellow graduates to take risks and move out of their comfort zone.
"Though the future is unpredictable, I have faith we will choose the right path," he said.
He said graduation is a crossroads for them, and now they must enter adulthood and make major decisions.
"Today we're opening many doors in our lives but it's up to us to figure out what we will find on the other side," he said.
The class earned $3.5 million in scholarship money, the highest amount earned by any graduating West High class, according to Holden.
After a musical selection by Kristen Johnson, it was time for graduates to receive their diplomas along with a yellow carnation.
Donovan Gray, 17, who will join the Navy after graduation, said leaving high school is bittersweet, but he is ready to move on.
"I feel like I've completed something important and starting a new part of my life," he said.
Dennis Flores is looking forward to the next chapter in his life. Since moving to Statesville from Long Island in 2005, Flores has enjoyed his years at the school.
"Sometimes it gets depressing because you won't see some of these people again, but the challenges in life will be rewarding in the end," said Flores, who will attend the University of North Carolina.
Samuel Estes, 17, will miss seeing his friends every day, but is ready to move onto college. Leaving West High is the start of the rest of his life.
"This is the beginning of a new start and the rest of my life," he said.
"I'm ready to go to college and get a degree in business and start life on the right foot," he added.
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