Graduates step into the future

MEDORA - In these uncertain times, the Medora High School Class of 2009 is certain of one thing - that they will be successful.

"I know that we can all be successful in whatever we choose and we will all move confidently towards the future," class valedictorian Brooke Davidson told her classmates during graduation ceremonies at the school Friday night. "Success can mean many different things and you must decide what success means for you personally."

Although the future will lead them in different directions, for many away from the community they have grown up in, the 24 members of the Class of 2009 share many of the same memories.

"It's hard to think that after tonight, the place where we've spent so much of our time the last 12 years, we will be moving on," class salutatorian Rusty Blaker said. "We seem kind of mixed about the whole ordeal. We're free! Yet most of us have been around each other since we were little children, zooming through the hallways."

Principal Brad McCammon said he believed in each and every student.

"They have reached a point where they have accomplished great things," McCammon said. "I have no doubt they will reach many more."

In the present struggling economy, McCammon said, it's not an easy time for graduates.

"With the economy, it's a tough time to be a graduate in 2009," he said. "But I have no doubts they will be successful in all their endeavors. I am so very proud of them."

Class President Jetta Baird found it hard to say goodbye. During her welcoming speech, she fought back the tears.

She thanked all the parents, family members, teachers, administrators and her fellow graduates.

"Thank you for all your love, support and most importantly your patience," she said. "It's been a long journey and I will admit at times stressful, but it has all led up to this point."

Baird advised her classmates to value and remember the times they spent together.

"We will all be going our separate ways," she said. "We need to cherish tonight because it will go by so quickly. From the bottom of my heart, I will miss you all. You may not realize it yet, but the past 13 years really, truly have been the time of our lives."

During her valedictorian speech, Davidson reminded her classmates to stay true to themselves and learn from life's mistakes.

"Don't live by other people's standards," she said. "Set your own and set the bar high. When you reach your dreams and your goals, don't be afraid of falling short, don't be afraid of failing. Failure is just another opportunity to learn from your mistakes."

Blaker said that, as graduates, "All we can hope for is that we can live up to your expectations and hopes and aspire to fulfill our dreams."

"We'll aim for the stars, chill with the moon and try not to hit the ceiling," he said.

Superintendent John Reed personally thanked the students for the impact they had on him and others.

"You were a blessing to me," he said. "You have given me one of the best years in my career."

In tough times, Reed said, the Class of 2009 has lifted his spirits. "Amid poor economic times, crime, war and drugs, you have given me a renewed sense of hope," he said.

By graduating, the students have done much more than earn a diploma, he added.

"You have achieved all the aptitude the state requires, but you have done much more than that," he said. "You have the kind of attitude that will take you wherever you want to go."

In closing, Reed offered two words of advice, the same words the students are used to hearing every day after morning announcements.

"Be nice," he said.