Van Buren graduates prepare for move to adulthood

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON

Graduating senior Michael McDaniel pauses before the ceremony to visit with his mom Mildred, holding the solitary rose that, along with the candlelight recessional, has also become a tradition at the graduation.

As parents, relatives, teachers and friends looked on, 40 students walked across the stage Friday night at Van Buren County High School. The program began with the traditional processional, followed by the invocation, given by Hayla DeWeese. Assistant principal Chris Binkley welcomed the assembled crowd.

The salutatorial speech, called ?Peace Be The Journey? was delivered by William Hall, and class valedictorian Kevin Cunningham presented the valedictory entitled ?In A Hurry, But To Go Where.?

Students had mixed emotions about their final program and the prospect of leaving high school.

Cunningham said the idea of moving into adulthood is daunting, but he is looking forward to it.

?Whew, man, I don?t know,? Cunningham said. ?I?m scared, yet ? excited too. I?ve enjoyed being in school with my friends and I?ll miss that.?

Cunningham says his immediate plans are to continue his education.

?I plan on going to Tennessee Tech and majoring in engineering,? Cunningham said. ?And hopefully, after that, to just be successful in my life.?

Just before the graduation began, with the prospect of delivering a speech to a large crowd looming in the near future, salutatorian William Hall said he wasn?t sure exactly how he felt.

?I?m a little nervous,? Hall said. ?A little excited. All kinds of mixed emotions. The last four years here have probably been the best years of my life. I?ve made a lot of friendships that will never be broken. It?s been a really good educational experience. I?m just looking forward to the future.?

Like most of his fellow students, Hall said he is busy preparing to continue his education.

?I plan to attend Tennessee Technology Center and go into the nursing field,? Hall said.

Fellow student Desiree Dodson said she had mixed emotions as well.

?I?m very excited,? Dodson said, ?but it?s kind of sad too though. It?s been a really good experience.?

Friend Nikki Simmons was straightforward about her feelings on graduating.

?I?m very stressed out,? she said. ?Very sad, very sad to leave all my friends. It?s been awesome, it?s been quite a ride.?

Both girls say they also plan to attend school and go into nursing.

School Counselor Karen Baker presented the 2007 class, and director of schools Michael Martin awarded the diplomas.

The graduation concluded with the candlelight recessional, in which the auditorium was plunged into darkness as juniors lit their candles to illuminate the way for departing seniors, a beautiful and inspiring ceremony which has become a long-standing tradition for the school.