Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

45 Earn Diplomas

Friday night, May 17, 45 members of Gurdon High School took the next step in their young lives.

On this night, before a packed Gus Brown Field, these 45 men and women accepted their diplomas as 1996 graduates of GHS.

It was an emotional time for the students, many of whom will continue their education, while others start on the road to work.

Gathering at the north end zone, the students began their march toward their futures, passing the stage erected at mid-field and taking their seats nearby as the GHS Go-Devil Marching Band played the traditional graduation march, "Pomp and Circumstance."

Shea Wetherington was the first member of the senior class to speak. She read the poem, "Flying High Yet Not Away," about graduating and beginning life as an adult.

Lori Hathcoat then gave the salutatorian speech, "The Risk that We Must Take."

During her speech, Hathcoat said the seniors have had the love and guidance of their families to get them where they are, but it is not time to make a new life for themselves.

"We've gained friendships and independence," she said, "and the love and support of each other. But we must go out on our own with the faith you've taught us well."

Quincy Charles followed singing "Because You Love Me," dedicated to the senior class and his parents.

"Yesterday's Dreams, Today's Realities," was the subject of Jared Smith's valedictory address.

"Thirteen years ago," he said, "the commencement for the class of 1996 was just a dream. Looking back, we can remember the dreams we had.

"Now, we need to decide which path to follow. The path is continuously winding, yet we must go forward and burn the bridges of the past behind us. It's not possible to go back," he said.

"As we walk across this stage, we are no longer seniors at Gurdon High, we are young adults embarking on our futures.

"We need to embrace our dreams," he said, "striving to turn them into reality."

Brian McGalliard and Phillip Porcelli presented the school with the senior class gift. This year, the senior class purchased two microwave ovens and carts for the Cabe Student Center. The last of the class funds were used to purchase a stage skirt for future graduation ceremonies.

Once the speeches were complete, the students began their march toward the future as diplomas were handed to each one.

John Anderson was the first to receive his diploma, with Jason Williams the final senior so honored.

When GHS Principal Leonard Gills announced the end of the ceremonies, many students tossed their mortarboards into the air and embraced one another in celebration.