Van Buren graduates 46

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard

Courtney Neely flashes a big smile while shaking hands with Director of Schools Neal O’Neal as she receives her diploma during commencement exercises at Van Buren High School, Friday evening. (James Clark photo)

Moments before the 46 seniors at Van Buren County High School received their diplomas Friday night, principal Cordell Crawford left them with a few final words of advice.

Crawford told a story about a beach filled with starfish – all washed ashore by the high tide. One young man realized the starfish would surely die if not tossed back in the water and he walked over, picked up a starfish, and threw it back in the ocean.

A bystander saw what the young man did and said, “This whole beach is lined with starfish. What’s the use of tossing one back in the ocean?”

To that statement the young man replied, “Because it made a difference for that one.”

Crawford chose that story to illustrate the fact each and every one of the graduating seniors can make a difference. He said during their years in the Van Buren County system, the students have learned more than reading, writing and arithmetic. He said they have also learned responsibility.

“As they go out, and as we turn them loose after 13 years of education, we feel confident they will be successful,” said Crawford. “We’re very proud of these students who have done what’s required and many have done much more.”

In addition to speeches from Crawford and Director of Schools Neal O’Neal, graduation ceremonies were highlighted by remarks from Faye Taylor, Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education.

Taylor told of how she graduated from a small high school similar to Van Buren County. She said she always heard the A’s she made at her small-town school would never be any more than C’s once she went to college. But when Taylor arrived at college, she said that wasn’t the case.

“You can make A’s at any college you wish to go,” she said. “Your diploma is a passport that takes you anywhere you want to go. I challenge you to decide where you want to go and don’t let anything stand in your way.”

Valedictorian Jason Hankins is one student who is accepting Taylor’s challenge. He received a significant scholarship to attend Tennessee Tech where he plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Salutatorian Heather Shockley is also headed to college. She plans to attend UT-Martin in the fall.

Graduation ceremonies ended in traditional Van Buren County fashion with the lighting of the candles.