Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott sents 65 graduates out into the world

Prescott's school administration had the foresight to schedule the 2003 commencement ceremonies in the new gymnasium.

It was fortunate as a thunderstorm began about halfway through the event, knocking the power out before the last few graduates had been presented their diplomas.

However, other than it being warm in the Prescott Sports Complex, the graduation ceremonies began without a hitch.

Prescott High School Principal Carroll Purtle welcomed the parents, grandparents and administration, telling them they could be proud of what the class of 2003 accomplished.

Rebecca Barfield, one of two of the class's highest graduates, spoke first on the topic of a "Time to Remember."

"It's hard to believe it's time to go our separate ways," Barfield said.

The class began in elementary school, which was a combat center, with the majority surviving to make it to middle school.

At middle school, she said, there were new problems to deal with, one being to grasp the concept of a seven-period day, seven different teachers instead of one and no recess.

"We came together," she said. "The class put on King Tut', and we made it through the play. It was a success. We waited for our first day at Prescott High School."

At PHS, she said, the classes were tougher and the teachers more demanding.

Some of the students proved to be stars in athletics, while others shined in band or academics.

"We've been friends through the triumphs and tragedies," Barfield said. "This past year has certainly been a time to remember."

Jody Almand, the other highest honor graduate talked of "A New Beginning".

"This is the most important time in our lives," he said. "It's time to open a new page and start a new chapter."

The graduates will no longer look to others to guide them, but will have to find their own paths, he said.

"We must assess our own values, determine our own goals and assume responsibility for the direction our lives take."

Almand said the students have continually heard how youth is the problem with society.

"I agree," he said, "this is true to a degree. But, society isn't one person or group. We're part of this body and our actions affect and modify each other.

"There's no such thing as a complete individual. No one wants to be a hermit, but we don't want to be absorbed into the collective of society."

The graduates, he said, must maintain their courage, remember there's room at the top for those who work for it and the bottom rungs of the ladder where the shiftless people are.

"The class of 2003 will take the future by storm," he said. "We'll take all we've been given and take the future by storm. The knowledge bestowed upon us will not be wasted."

Paula Cossey, PHS counselor, told the audience the class of 2003 earned $552,122 in scholarships, and accepted $406,678.

Dr. Melissa Graham, a 1985 graduate of PHS, was the keynote speaker.

"It is an honor to address these classmates," she said. "Seniors, we are here to celebrate you and your accomplishments a you go to your future. I'm sure you're excited and filled with trepidation."

Graham told the seniors when she graduated in 85, she focused on which side of her mortarboard the tassel was supposed to be on. "I didn't want to focus on the uncertainty or uneasiness.

"We were about to leave Prescott, everything familiar and move to a new situation with new friends and a new community at college.

"You have been well prepared to enter the world by PHS," she continued, "and have received an excellent education.'

The instructors, she said, laid the groundwork, and there was no reason for the graduates to fear losing the love of their families, as it will continue after they've graduated.

"This is a long awaited moment," Graham said. "The end of your high school education and the beginning of the rest of your lives.

"Pursue your goals with passion. I challenge each of you to make a difference in your lives and the lives of others.

"Develop your skills. Use your talent

for the greatest good and stand up for your beliefs. Be who you are and say what you feel. Those who matter won't mind and those who mind don't matter."