Robbinsville High bids adieu to latest senior class
Robbinsville – After a one-year pause, the annual Robbinsville High School graduation exercise returned to Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium; a tradition started in the wake of the pandemic in 2020.
So far, so good: the only things that fell from the atmosphere Friday was the sounds of laughter, as the Class of 2024 reminisced about times gone by for the final time; the occasional bead of sweat from the humidity of the late-May atmosphere; the confetti that slowly dwindled back down to the ground after being shot into the dusk sky when superintendent Angie Knight decreed the students official graduates; and the tears that fell when each filed out with their families, knowing the next chapter of their lives were set to begin.
Families, friends and well-wishers lined both seating areas of the stadium to pay respects to the 77 graduates, as well as soak in the wisdom the students had learned during their time in Graham County Schools.
Representatives such as Carter Burchfield addressed those on-hand, noting that the best is yet to come.
“As we stand here tonight on the threshold of new beginnings, let us not only reflect on the challenges we have overcome – but also look ahead with optimism and excitement,” Burchfield said.
“The future holds endless possibilities and it’s up to us to seize them with courage and determination.”
Aubree Nichols made sure to give thanks to those who spent just as much time with the students as the families themselves in the “Tribute to Teachers.”
“Teachers have helped ignite our curiosity, inspire our passions and challenge us to reach new heights,” said Nichols.
“To some of us, they’re not just educators; but they’re mentors, role models and friends. I truly believe God gave every teacher a beautiful gift only they hold, because it takes a particular person to be a teacher.”
Zoie Shuler echoed many of the same sentiments, but directed toward some of the biggest fans the students have had in the “Tribute to Parents.”
“Your unwavering dedication, sacrifice and countless nights spent guiding us have not gone unnoticed,” Shuler said.
“From the early mornings waking up to prepare lunches, to the late nights staying up to help with homework, attending parent-teacher conferences and cheering from the sidelines at countless events, you have been the pillars of strength and encouragement.”
Karlee Stewart proved to be both sentimental and light-hearted in her “Tribute to Friends.”
“It is often said that the measure of a person’s life can be found in the friendships they have made along the way,” Stewart said. “If that is true, then I stand before you today as one of the richest individuals – for I have been blessed with some of the most incredible friends anyone could ever have.
“Together, we have weathered the storms of midterms and finals; staying up into the late hours of the night to cram for exams – and of course, write last minute papers for Karen Lail.”
Salutatorian Emma Beasley concluded her address with a succinct quote from her grandmother, which encapsulated the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
“Remember, this is just a hill for a climber,” Beasley stated.
Valedictorian Memory Frapp summed the entire ceremony up by hitting everyone sitting in front of her with a reality check.
“Many of us have always said, ‘I can’t wait to grow up,’” said Frapp. “That time has now come. We have spent so much time preparing to walk across this stage today, but this is just the beginning of our journey in life.
“This is the first step of creating our lives to be the way we want them to be.”
You can view the ceremony on The Graham Star’s YouTube page. More photos from the event will be available on the Star’s Facebook page soon.
