Growing up in a smaller community, Carley Brock has been able to form lasting relationships.
That’s something she believes will take her far in this world.
“It was a great community to grow up in,” the Brownstown Central High School senior said. “I think it has really shaped me to go out into the real world now and value relationships like these that I made here.”
Brock is one of 128 students who will take part in the commencement ceremony Saturday at the school.
She plans to commute to Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus next year before transferring to the Indianapolis campus to study dental hygiene.
Brock became interested in dentistry at a young age during her trips to the dentist.
“Unlike most people, I’ve always liked going to the dentist,” she said. “When I was little, I always looked forward to going.”
She has spent time job shadowing at different dental offices around town and in Jackson County and decided she wanted to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.
“I’m going to do more shadowing this summer, too,” she said. “It keeps me interested in it.”
The teachers at the school have always been supportive of her and her classmates, she said.
“They’re super-personable, and I felt like if I ever needed help, they would always go out of their way to help me,” she said. “I’m kind of nervous about college because I don’t know if professors will be like them.”
Brock said she enjoyed being a part of school musicals and Braves Against Drugs Club and being a Drug Abuse Resistance Education role model.
She said she will miss her friends and classmates she has made through the groups and in classes throughout the years at the school.
“My friendships and the relationships I have with my teachers and people in the community will make it hard to leave here,” she said.
Her mother, Stephanie Brock, is the school’s choral director, and she had fun participating in choir.
“Being involved in the musical was a great memory,” Carley said. “I liked being a DARE role model, too, and attending sporting events.”
She describes the moment of graduation as bittersweet and said time has seemed to move faster this year as she has attended a lot of school-related functions and events.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” she said. “It’s bittersweet because it’s sad, but I’m ready to move on and start the next chapter of my life.”
Growing up in Brownstown also was a positive experience, she said, because she met so many people along the way that have impacted her.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve been involved here,” she said. “My parents have always made us get involved. I felt like I’ve always known everyone.”
The 53rd annual Brownstown Central High School commencement will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday with the playing of the National Anthem by the high school band, which will then play “Pomp and Circumstance” as seniors enter the gymnasium.
Senior Sarah Rollins will give the senior welcome, followed by speeches from seniors Jennifer Runge and Morgan Harrison. The advanced choir will then sing “Breakaway,” followed by the presentation of the senior class by Principal Joe Sheffer. Superintendent Greg Walker will present the diplomas with the help of Assistant Principal Mark DeHart.
After the band plays “The Rose,” senior Stuart Hayden will give the senior farewell. The recessional will follow.
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What: Brownstown Central High School commencement
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Brownstown Central High School Gymnasium
Who: 128 seniors will graduate
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Name: Carley Brock
Age: 18
Hometown: Brownstown
Residence: Brownstown
School: Brownstown Central High School
School activities: Choir, Braves Against Drugs Club, Drug Abuse Resistance Education role model, Booster Club
Future plans: Attend Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus for the first year, and then transfer to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis to study dental hygiene
Family: Parents, Clint and Stephanie Brock; brother, Cole Brock
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