An atmosphere of excitement mixed with nervous energy settled over the packed crowd at the Duck Pond on the evening of May 24 as graduating seniors took the field to celebrate the end of their high school era and mark the beginning of a new journey.
“Life is a series of choices,” Principal Matt Wamble told the sea of green robes seated before the stage. “The decisions you make from this point forward will shape your futures in ways both big and small. I want to encourage you to take chances and do not be afraid to fail. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a part of success. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Valedictorian and Class President Luke Thompson discussed some of the setbacks he and his classmates faced, including starting high school on the heels of a national pandemic, inheriting a football program that did not earn a single win the first year and dealing with the loss of an outgoing and popular classmate, Jace Gill.
“Jace had a remarkable impact on so many of our lives,” Thompson said. “He will always be missed and never forgotten.”
Thompson’s message echoed Principal Wamble’s, emphasizing that the most important part of a competition isn’t winning or losing, but putting forth your best effort.
“Sometimes the greatest thing that can happen to you is to fail. Failure promotes self reflection and teaches us lessons winning cannot,” Thompson said. “When these challenges show up don’t be discouraged and don’t take your focus off the goal. Instead, fall back on preparation and go all out.”
Thompson, who will be headed to University of Texas at Austin this fall to study business finance, encouraged classmates to walk through life in confidence.
“Remember that we have the ability to change the world. Stay competitive and use that passion to chase your dream,” the valedictorian said.
Salutatorian Rose Simons, who will attend Duke University to major in computer science, reminded fellow graduates it takes time and guidance to grow confidence in their abilities as they venture into new roles.
“As we all part on our separate paths, remember there are good people in the world. There are reasons to continue growing and developing our minds and skills, and you will eventually feel comfortable in this changing situation,” Simons said.
Administrators also took a moment to honor the memory of longtime educator Charles Schroeder, who passed away earlier this month.
District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen encouraged the class of more than 220 graduating seniors, with 12 honor graduates and 11 silver cord recipients to pay forward what they gained at Taylor High School.
“I have no doubt you will continue to inspire and lead with courage, compassion and conviction,” she said, reminding them, “Always remember that once a duck always a duck. Go forth and conquer, graduates, the world is yours.”
