On Tuesday, June 7th an organized procession of blue caps and gowns, along with white caps and gowns flowed down the aisle at the Show Place Arena. A few graduates spun around and others pumped their fist in the air as their parents acknowledged their entrance as graduates during the Lackey High School commencement ceremony.
Parents and loved ones whistled, waved, held signs up and jumped up and down to get a brief smile or a pose from their graduate. The band played, the choir sang, inspirational speeches were made and the celebration was in full swing.
Salutatorian Joshua Boyd told his fellow graduates, “As long as we keep our friendship, no one will ever have to go into this world alone.” He spoke of the ways his mother inspired him during his four years with inspirational quotes hung all around his house. Quotes such as “Whatever you are, be a good one” and “Do one thing every day that makes you happy” found their way into the Boyd household. He acknowledged that seeing these quotes everyday helped inspire him to do his best and in turn he spoke to inspire the class of 2011.
The ceremony offered motivation to the graduates, while still keeping them grounded. A farewell poem read, “You know what they say about sunshine, it always comes after the rain.”
Valedictorian Andrew Bode, spoke of the legendary Cliff Young, the 61-year-old Australian farmer who in 1983 won the world’s toughest ultra marathon. In overalls and work boots he beat out professional runners in a 544-mile race usually attempted by runners under 30. Young was unconventional and did things his own way; others later emulated his style of running.
Bode then told his audience, “Prove your self as hard workers and people will notice. Find joy in whatever you do. Keep working whenever it seems like you can’t go on and finally persevere.”
Former Charles County Board of Education Member and Lackey High School alumnus Charles Carrington encouraged the graduates to, “enjoy this day because
