Appomattox graduates ‘set sail’

Valedictorian: Howard Ray and James Rogers

Salutatorian: Weston Edwards

Number of Graduates: 143

Speakers: Sarah Wingfield, senior class president; Michael Kelly, principal; Weston Edwards, salutatorian; Howard Ray, valedictorian; James Rogers, valedictorian; Aldridge Boone, superintendent

Quotes: “When I met this class of 2009, they were in the auditorium learning how to order caps and gowns. Now you’re wearing caps and gowns; congratulations,” Kelly said.

“Tonight we celebrate graduation from youth and set sail into adulthood,” Edwards said.

“These years seem to have flown by. By the time we know it, we’ll be back in Appomattox for our class reunion,” Ray said.

“We must always stand for what we believe in, even if it’s not the easiest path to walk,” Rogers said.

“In life not everything will go as planned. Those who are patient tend to be wise,” Wingfield said.

“I feel very good about the future, knowing young men and women of your quality are set to make their mark on the world,” Boone said.

Sights and Sounds: Graduates marched to their seats proudly and were dressed in dark blue caps and gowns. Many students had also decorated their caps with the names of their colleges or universities. Honors graduates also wore gold stoles.

After students took their seats, Kelly recognized the Class of 2009’s honor graduates and their parents. He called each honor grad’s name and the name of their parents, who were all asked to stand.

During the presentation of diplomas, seniors broke out multi-colored beach balls and batted them around. As the last member of the class of 2009 collected her diploma, silly string exploded from the excited group of grads. Applause and the screeching of several air horns also followed the receipt of the last diploma.

Notable: School officials presented the family of John Barrett Lawson with an honorary diploma. Lawson, who would have graduated Monday, died in September 2007 after he was involved in a car accident on Pumping Station Road in Appomattox. The Lawson family received a standing ovation as they collected the diploma.