Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

17 Seniors Graduate From Emmet; One Chair Left Vacant

Eighteen chairs were lined up on the floor of the Ross Gymnasium in Emmet for Friday night's commencement ceremonies.

Seventeen seniors marched in to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" taking all but one seat. This chair, covered by a royal blue graduation gown, had been left open for Allana Block, who died in a fire in Emmet, April 26.

The back page of the graduation program was also dedicated to Block.

When the diplomas were handed out, her mother, Bernice Block, came forward and accepted the one her daughter would have received.

In the foyer of the gym a table had been set up with Block's retired No. 23 basketball jersey, a photo and poem about her on it.

Once the students were seated, Salutatorian Kim Fore spoke, saying another year of high school has been completed, but the memories shared will never be forgotten.

For some, she said, this will be the only commencement they have.

Fore thanked the teachers for the help they gave the class during the years, and the parents, saying they were their for the students during the hardest years of their lives.

"We must now separate," she said, "and we'll never be in the same classroom again. I wish the class of 2000 well."

Jason Arrington, valedictorian, followed, deviating from his prepared speech saying it was inadequate for the circumstances. He spoke from the heart instead.

"It's hard to believe it took 13 years to get this far, but it doesn't seem like all that long," he said.

Arrington talked of recess in elementary school, finding out there is no recess in junior high, though there was plenty of homework, and of senior high, with parties and girls.

"This is the last time we'll see each other in the same place again," he said. "It's over when we step out that door tonight. We'll be alone unless we keep up with our friends."

Arrington said the class received help from too many people to thank each individually.

"We've been told not to worry about what others think or say as long as we believe in what we do," he said.

Arrington said EHS Principal Frank Henson did all he could do to make sure the students graduated, while the teachers pushed them to do well in class.

"This year has been good," he said, "and I would like all of use to vow to meet here 10 years from now."

Henson was the featured speaker for the commencement ceremonies, and he gave the graduates seven points for success in their lives.

He asked where they saw themselves in the next 10, 20 and 30 years down the road.

"Most want to be a success," he said, "but what is success."

Henson said some measure success by material possessions and monetary wealth, their job or home, but this, he added, isn't success.

In his graduating class there were 21 students. Five, he said, became teachers, two went into the business world, one works for UPS, one is the manager of a water department, two are preachers and one is in prison for a triple murder.

"All but one of us were successful," he said.

He challenged the graduates to be successful by following the seven points he outlined.

The first was for them to be determined to be successful, work toward their goals and not be sidetracked.

Next was for them to understand no one owes them anything in lift.

This was followed by tip three to have faith in God, and the fourth point, to have faith in themselves as well.

Work hard, was his fifth suggestion, and have the proper attitude, was number six.

"Don't measure success by wealth, but by doing what you want to do and making a living at it," Henson said, wrapping up the list.

"I challenge you to be all you can be, to believe in yourselves and aim high."