We wish you the best Class of 2002
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2002, whose members will walk across the stage in grand fashion tonight.
Seniors, you have reached one of your first major milestones. From this point forward, you must begin the process of shaping your futures and determining what to make of your life after high school.
Some of you will head off to college. Others will stay at home and work. Regardless of your goals, and what you consider your ultimate destination, you deserve to take pride in your accomplishments and enjoy your success.
Tonight you will be declared a high school graduate. Take pride in this achievement. You’ve earned it through years of math problems and reading assignments, by passing pop quizzes, spelling tests and in-depth exams.
When you walk across the stage at Nunley Stadium, those stands will be full of family members and well-wishers, people proud of you and happy to celebrate this moment.
Tomorrow will be here soon enough, along with the trials and tribulations which accompany adulthood. The future, and many responsibilities, lie ahead. There will be children to raise, house payments to make, food to put on the table.
Savor this moment and remember what it feels like to be on top. May this feeling of accomplishment stay with you and may it drive you toward continued success.
Thus far, much of your life has been guided by your parents who have nurtured you, often held your hand through difficult decisions, and provided life’s essentials such as food and shelter. Most of you will always be able to count on your parents and family for support.
At the same time, part of the passage into adulthood revolves around handing over the reins of your life to you. Sometimes you will fail. That’s a fact of life no matter how old you are. But just as often, you will succeed – and it’s that fulfillment which will catapult you to continue working toward your goals.
Here at the Standard, our employees are caught up in the joys of graduation just like the rest of the community. Advertising representative Pam Cantrell will watch her daughter, Jennifer, graduate tonight.
Standard employees are also fortunate to be part of college graduations. Advertising representative Fay Harris had her grandson, Matt Turner, graduate from UT-Chattanooga, and Steve Warner is himself a graduate this month, completing his associates of science degree right here at Motlow College.
The Standard is proud to honor the fine graduates of the class of 2002. It is also appropriate to pay tribute to the parents who have worked so diligently to make tonight’s Project Graduation at the Civic Center a reality. This worthwhile event gives seniors and their dates a safe place to celebrate tonight and well into tomorrow morning.
Project Graduation is drug and alcohol free and through the years has proven to be an exciting alternative to graduation parties which might take place in a less safe environment. It’s a great way for graduates to celebrate their achievement while keeping the roadways safe and helping to prevent any graduation-night accidents.
Class of 2002, we wish you the very best.