Robbinsville Class of 2021 celebrates commencement
Robbinsville – The Robbinsville High School Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement on Sunday, inside Big Oaks Stadium.
The Class of 2021 included 88 graduates and was led by Valedictorian Dalson Jordan and Salutatorian Kolby Brooks. Several seniors also participated in the ceremony in other capacities, including giving tributes to parents, teachers and friends, as well as giving an invocation.
While still held outside, this year’s graduation marked a move closer to normalcy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking place at the end of the school year, rather than in July like the 2020 graduation.
“I know at least for me, this day was something I looked forward to for a long time, a day when school would be over and we could get out into the real world, a day that couldn’t come soon enough, but as I look out at all of you today, a lot has changed,” Jordan said in his valedictorian address.
He said he would cherish memories shared by the class, and thanked Robbinsville High School’s teachers and other staff.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, a chapter in which we’re expected to part ways and end our time together as we seek out our new future and figure out what our future looks like,” Jordan said. “However, I think that going forward, I will start this new chapter a little differently than those in years past.
“That difference is by starting this new era by making new memories with my old high school classmates instead of letting today be the end of our journey together. I encourage each of you to do the same.”
After the diplomas were awarded, the stadium exploded with confetti and silly string prior to the class’ recessional.
The class included 22 high honors graduates, 14 honors graduates, 22 North Carolina Scholars and six Robbinsville High School Merit Scholars. One student also earned an associate’s degree from Tri-County Community College.
Twenty-six members of the class also received various college scholarships for their performance at Robbinsville High School.
Wilhem Crisp said he planned to attend Tri-County Community College for two years before transferring into a university. He said he hoped to attend Appalachian State University in Boone. He said he was not sure what his major would be, but that he wanted to work with computers.
“It’s kind of a split,” Crisp said. “Half of it you’re relieved, the other half you’re a little bit scared maybe.”
Crisp also spoke to his class’ experience with COVID-19, and having to miss some of the typical senior class milestones.
“That probably ruined a bit of the experience, but I wouldn’t give it (up) for anything,” Crisp said.
Graduate Trinity Bailey said high school was a challenge for her, but that she was glad to have made it through.
“I can’t believe it’s over,” Bailey said.