Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Nevada High School Graduates 53 May 19 In Gymnasium

Nevada High School seniors went through their commencement ceremonies under a tornado watch.

However, the threat of severe weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those packing the Nevada High School gym as they watched 53 young men and women, dressed in silver caps and gowns, receive their diplomas and take the first step in the rest of their lives.

Lavenski R. Smith, associate justice for the Arkansas Supreme Court, delivered the commencement address, telling the graduates this was also a historic occasion for him.

Smith said his father, Casey Smith, graduated from Arkansas AM&N 50 years ago and came to Rosston where he taught and served as principal.

"This is a much anticipated night for you," he told the class, "and it's finally arrived. You have completed the task of secondary education."

Smith reminisced telling the students he remembered his own graduation, making decisions about college, getting ready for the prom, but had no idea who spoke at his commencement ceremonies.

"This is an exciting time," he said. "It's a time of transition. If you remember nothing else about this address, I encourage all of you to take time to remember, reflect and resolve.

"I believe in old virtues and new visions."

He told the graduates they need to reflect on the achievement of earning this diploma as it represents the potential to learn, grow and expand their perceptions.

He suggested they also reflect on their abilities, as each and every one is gifted in their own way and are unique as individuals. "It's sad to consider when something useful is allowed to spoil. When I see young, gifted and talented people allow their abilities to go to seed because of the choices they make, it's sad."

The seniors were also urged to reflect on the actions they take in life, because without reflection and contemplation, he said, life is empty.

Smith said there is little free about a "free" public education because many people made sacrifices for the students to attend school and learn.

Without reflection and contemplation, he said, we are less than human. "We have the ability to think for ourselves, to choose who we are and what we do. Who you choose to become is more important than what you choose to do."

Smith said there are enough dishonest people in the world, enough corrupt leaders and criminals. "We need people like you to go into life with purpose and meaning. The saddest part of the work I do is review the lives of people who make poor decisions."

He told the seniors to have resolve and once they decide what to do to do it with the best they have in them.

"Don't be discouraged," Smith said, "or give up. There are many new inventions to be conceived."

Albert Einstein once said, Smith told the group, people need values, a sense of the beautiful and to be morally good or they resemble nothing more than a well-trained dog.

"Always be honest with yourself and others," Smith said. "A life not built around the truth is built on nothing."

He told the graduates to be aware of the choices they make because these choices affect those around them as well as they themselves.

Smith closed by reading the poem "A Way Of Thinking," about how people can get in a rut. "People tend to get in ruts," he said, "but you can blaze trails yet to be conceived. Strive to be something great."

Carlesha Mixon gave the honors address, telling those packing the gym this is the first first grade class of the Nevada School system to graduate.

"We must move on and make new memories," she said. "I hope we have set an example for seniors to come.

"As we prepare to advance into the world," Mixon continued, "we will meet new faces, go new places, but nothing will replace the memories we made here. I challenge you all to do your best and make the world a better place."

Mixon was followed by Justin Curtis with the parent appreciation speech.

Curtis thanked all the parents for their love and support, saying they were always there to help, offer advice and give encouragement.

The class farewell was given by Melanie Williams, who said goodbyes aren't always terrible.

In this case, she continued, it is a chance for the graduates to start over again with the potential to change the world.

She thanked the parents for teaching them right from wrong and good from bad, along with putting up with them.

The teachers, she said, taught them not only subjects, but about life. "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here graduating."

Nevada Superintendent Rick McAfee gave the administration's address, telling the graduates they have a new beginning.

"There will never be another Class of 2000," he said. "The challenge before you is great. We did all we could to prepare you for a world changing every day.

"As you go into life, I know you will do great things for the community and the world. I've always said you are a special group and I hope you carry part of us with you as you accept the challenges you face."

With the speeches out of the way, each of the seniors was given their diploma and presented to the audience as the Class of 2000.