Congratulations go to the class of 2003
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2003, whose members walked across the stage in grand fashion Friday night.
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.
Friday night you were 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 walked across the stage at Nunley Stadium, the stands were packed full of family members and well-wishers, people proud of you and happy to celebrate your moment of glory.
The trials and tribulations which accompany adulthood will arrive soon enough. Some of you, with part-time jobs and a few scattered bills to pay, have likely had a taste of this already. 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. Bookkeeper Lori Cornelius watched her daughter, Linsey, graduate Friday night. Computer analyst Gregg Pennington saw his daughter, Terran, walk the stage. Style editor Janice Howard saw her grandson, Kurt Kesey, receive his diploma.
A Standard employee is also fortunate to be part of a college graduation as reporter Duane Sherrill had his wife, Janice, graduate from nursing school at Tennessee Tech.
The Standard is proud to honor the fine graduates of the class of 2003. It is also appropriate to pay tribute to the parents who worked so diligently to make Project Graduation at the Civic Center an overwhelming success. This worthwhile event gave seniors and their dates a safe place to celebrate graduation night — well into the morning.
Class of 2003, we wish you the very best. Remember, you have not reached the end. You’ve only come upon a new beginning.