Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Nevada grads challenged to make a difference

Nevada's graduating class of 2003 was given a "golden key", according to State Rep. Chris Thomason.

Thomason, the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremonies Thursday, May 15, told the 38 graduates their diploma was more than a piece of paper  it was, in fact, a golden key for their future.

This key, he said, should be used as often as possible.

"This celebration is for you," he said, "and your accomplishments. You've spent 13 years getting here, and it hasn't always been easy.

"You started as children and are finishing together as adults. We're all proud of you."

The diploma, he said, is made of the most precious material on earth, and can be a golden key to open doors in the future.

"I challenge you to use this key as often as you can," Thomason said. "Because of this key, you can accomplish all you want to in life."

The key, he said, would allow them to get the job of their dreams, be the best farmer possible, join the armed services or get through college.

"Your family and teachers helped get you to this point," he said, "but now it's up to you. Now it's your time.

"You've had a helping hand and its incumbent on you to do the same. Extend the hand of help to those behind you so they can achieve their dreams. This is your obligation."

Thomason said the graduates should leave the area if it's what is necessary for them to be successful and achieve their dreams, but admonished them to consider returning to their hometown later on.

"Never forget where you came from," he said, "or the values instilled in you. But once you've made your journey, consider coming home to help the next generation. Work hard so you can continue to prosper.

"Enjoy this, you've earned it. But use the key, don't forget how you got here and come home."

Following the senior song, "Say Goodbye to Yesterday", Kristi Taylor gave the honors address.

Her speech was based on it being the turn of the class of 2003.

"After 18 years of waiting," Taylor said, "it's finally our turn. After 13 years of education, it's our turn. After this last excruciating year, it's finally our turn. This day has been in the back of our minds since we started kindergarten. It's all we could think about.

"It's not only our turn to graduate, but to assume responsibility for our lives. Our lives are now our own."

Some will go to college, she said, while others will go to work or join the military. Others may take a year or two off to travel or simply relax.

"It's important to remember it's our turn to make the decisions," she said. "There's no more playing tag, or gossiping with our friends about the weekend. We've learned our ABC's and 123's. Most of us no longer watch Saturday morning cartoons and we haven't had recess in seven years.

"This is our turn to complete our education, to start a career, to be our own person in society or begin our own lives."

Ashley Hall followed with the parent appreciation.

She recognized the parents in the audience, saying it was because of them the graduates were where they are.

"You've watched us grow from infants to teens and now to young adults," Hall said. "We owe much to you for your sacrifices. We may not have shown it, but we appreciate what you've done.

"You have instilled our morals and values, caused the magic of love and laughter and caused us to be all we could be.

Recarlos Robinson provided the class farewell.

"It's finally here," he said, "paid in full. The class of 2003 has worked hard to make this a night to remember, but we've only made a small deposit in the bank of life.

"I thank all the parents for their support, the teachers who had to deal with our attitudes and different personalities, and our friends and families who have stood beside us as we learned the challenges."

The definition of the class, he said, was "adapt and adjust" because of the challenges they faced.

"If it didn't go our way," he said, "we dealt with it and changed. I challenge the class of 2003 to be successful and make people envious of our success."

The administration's address was provided by Superintendent Rick McAfee, who said he was proud of this group and what it will be able to accomplish.

"I think about what the nation has gone through during the last four years," he said, "and hope these challenges have prepared them for the future and to be productive citizens. The challenges will be there and I hope they're equipped to handle them."

The work, he said, began 13 years ago when they entered kindergarten, but they built on their knowledge and tomorrow will be another day for them to learn more.

"You've shown a lot of class in how you've represented yourselves at Nevada school. I'm proud of all you've done and challenge you to go forth and do great things."