Paris, Tenn.–Even with all the obstacles facing the Class of 2020, Henry County Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins, High School Principal Dr. Michele Webb, board members and other school officials were determined that the 300-plus graduating seniors would walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. And they did.
The weather was perfect and Friday night’s ceremony at Patriot Stadium was held without a hitch, from the moment when the seniors entered the stadium to the tune of ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ to the moment they threw their caps in the air as new graduates.
The following are the speeches delivered by Valedictorian Margaret Gardner, Salutatorian Ariel MacDonald, and Honorable Mention Avery Hatcher”:
Valedictorian Speech by Margaret Gardner
“We grew up watching movies like High School Musical where flash mobs
broke out in the cafeteria, and no one minded a dance number during basketball
games. I have to admit, when I finally became a high schooler, I was a little
disappointed by the lack of hallway performances.
Now, we may not be starring in a movie, but our experiences at Henry
County High School were special and memorable in their own ways. Those nights
in Patriot Stadium, afternoons in the parking lot, and dances in E atrium will stay
with us forever. From the time we first got lost in the circle buildings until this
exact moment, we have been forming bonds and creating memories that will last a
lifetime. What makes us so special isn’t our choreographed dances or
show-stopping solos but our resilience and support for one another. Our class is
made up of students from different school systems and backgrounds, yet those
differences have never defined us. We support each other at sports games; we work
together on teams; we uplift each other on social media; we laugh together in class,
and we help each other without hesitation. Especially in these recent difficult
times, we have aided those in need and offered kindness and comfort to each other.
Despite any distance between us, our class has stayed connected and
engaged through technology and creativity. Of course, our senior year did not go as
expected, but let’s choose not to dwell on the things out of our control and, instead,
be grateful that we are here celebrating with one another. Regardless of any
challenges or setbacks faced along the way, we’ve overcome them gracefully and
now have the privilege to say that we are graduates. Nothing about high school has
been easy, but our ability to come out on the other side only proves our
determination.
Based on the love and strength I’ve witnessed in my classmates over the last
four years, I am confident that we will continue to pursue successful and fulfilling
lives. No matter where we journey in these upcoming years, this loving community
will be in Paris with open arms. If these admirable traits don’t make our class
something out of a movie, then I don’t know what does. I’m so proud to belong to
the class of 2020. We may not be conventional, but we sure are memorable.”
Salutatorian Speech by Ariel MacDonald
“Good evening friends, family, teachers, staff, and fellow classmates. My
name is Ariel MacDonald, and I am proud to be Henry County High School’s
Class of 2020’s Salutatorian. I would like to thank you for joining us tonight,
whether you’re supporting us in Patriot Stadium or online.
Initially, when I sat down to write this speech, I was at a loss for what to
write about. Usually, graduation speeches focus on themes like making a
difference, following your dreams, or the lessons learned throughout high school.
While these are important topics, I want to reflect on the unusual situation we all
have experienced this year.
No one could have predicted this year. Instead of enjoying our traditional
last semester before graduation, we ended up at home, separated from our friends.
As students we are used to dealing with change. We dealt with the transition
from elementary school to middle school then from middle school to high school.
We assumed the next major life change would be to enter college or the workforce.
Instead, we had to adapt to online school and social distancing as we finished the
end of our semester. As seniors, we were completely unprepared to end our high
school career in this way.
However, we adapted. We rewrote the ending to our high school story.
Soon, we were texting and Zooming each other in class and binging on TV and
video games.
Despite all the craziness, we made it. Because of our willingness to adapt
and pivot our story, we’re here tonight graduating. If we can handle this, then we
can handle our transition to college and the workforce.
In conclusion, I’d like to thank the teachers, administration, and staff of
Henry County High School for all their hard work and dedication during this time.
Lastly, I want to thank the parents of our class for supporting us and believing in us
throughout the years. I know the Class of 2020 will be great. Thank you, and good
night.”
Honorable Mention Speech by Avery Hatcher
“No one anticipated March 13th, ironically a Friday, to be the last day that we
would attend school together. During this lockdown, many have been expressing
regret for us, feeling that we have been cheated out of a memory. From my
point-of-view, we have had a more unique senior experience than most.
Many of you are anticipating your turn to walk the stage and graduate.
While graduating itself is a big deal, just being here seated with the rest of your
class is, too. We must enjoy the little moments in life just as we do the significant
ones.
A couple of months ago, we had no way of knowing it was going to be our
last regular day at the school. I was sitting in class thinking that getting out another
week would be awesome because it would be an extension of spring break. I doubt
even the teachers could have expected that spring break would have turned into
spring months. Instead of being upset about what we’ve missed out on during this
extended break, we must focus on making the most out of now.
Honestly, senior year hasn’t been much of a traditional year. However, it’s
better to not look at what we’ve missed out on but to realize how much we’ve been
given. The little things, if you will. Signs are everywhere, Facebook groups were
made, and even the chance to get free donuts and pizza by just being a senior.
Even though this year has been unpredictable, I’m proud to be a part of this
graduating class. While we didn’t know Friday the 13th was going to be our last
day, we do know that tonight is our last night as a class on campus. With that in
mind, let’s do our best to remember tonight moment-by-moment. Let’s take time to
remember the person sitting six feet away from us, to hear our name called, to walk
up, to, and across the stage, and, finally, to throw our caps in the air as we
officially begin the next phase of our lives. Congratulations, Class of 2020!”
Photo: Principal Dr. Michele Webb addresses the graduates, with the 300-plus diplomas on table behind her.