Local News - May 2002

More than 650 graduate from area high schools

Salutatorian: ‘Our lives have no boundaries’

By ANDIE LEATHERMAN and COURTNEY MARTIN, LTN Staff Writers

May 27, 2002 - More than 650 students graduated Saturday from Lincoln County’s three high schools.

Lincolnton and West Lincoln held ceremonies at the Citizens Center, while East Lincoln awarded diplomas at the school stadium.

Lincolnton High

 Lincolnton High School Valedictorian Emily Morton described the graduation ceremony as “our largest victory” as she addressed her classmates and their families.

Morton said the class of 2002 had come a long way together. She talked about the need for hope which gives meaning and direction and the importance of serving the community.

Salutatorian Jessica Kirkland predicted success for her class.

“I believe our lives have no boundaries. We can and will find our places,” she said.

Commencement speaker school Superintendent Jim Watson told students the life they are used to is going to change. He advised the graduates to “pull deep from within those things that were instilled in you.”

Student council president Antoine Faw awarded that organization’s scholarships to Emily Morton and Brenton Hartman.

National Honor Society President Michal Tucker presented classmate John David Barnette with the club’s service award.

Watson, Principal Pat Moretz and assistant principals Kathy Goins and Stuart Diehl presented the graduates with their diplomas.

West Lincoln High

The ocean served as a metaphor for West Lincoln High School Valedictorian Laura Porch who advised her classmates to treat life like the sea. She encouraged looking below the surface, remaining curious and wading into the surf despite adversity.

Porch referred to the parable of a man who took the time to pick individual starfish from the sand and toss them back to the safety of the ocean despite naysayers who told him his action could only save a few of the animals.

“We should not judge but simply act and watch the world change for the better,” she said.

Senior class vice-president Daniel Ward quoted Dr. Seuss as he told his classmates they could “steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

He closed his remarks advising the class to “Love the Lord, do the best you can and have faith.”

Class president and salutatorian Jay Heafner also spoke.

Diplomas were presented by Principal Debra Morris and assistant principals Ronald Deaton and Christopher Knott during the afternoon ceremony which took place at the Citizens Center.

East Lincoln High

A nice breeze kept East Lincoln’s outdoor graduation from being stifled by the bright sun.

The family, friends and guests of the 286 graduates packed David Clark Stadium, leaving some standing to watch the ceremony.

Valedictorian Anna Robinson said this class has gone through devastating circumstances: the attacks of Sept. 11 and the deaths of East students Nicole Bowman and Travis Conrad in car accidents.

But “together we have made it,” Robinson said.

The graduates are all standing on the peak of the mountain range, said Robinson, adding that it is important for them to keep aiming higher.

“We need to pack our gear and head on to the next peak,” said Robinson.

Salutatorian Amy Estep, gave a speech characterized by the poetry of Dr. Suess and the hope of a recent graduate. She urged her fellow graduates to help their fellow man and to appreciate the simple things in life.

Then the graduates marched to the podium to be handed their diploma and  receive congratulations from former principal Vicky Ratchford and Principal Allen Biggerstaff, and Assistant Principals Vista Rainey and Mitch Sherrill. Jean Dellinger, chairwoman of the Lincoln County Board of Education, aslo offered congratulations on behalf of the board.

At the end of the ceremony, the students celebrated the occasion by tossing their caps into the air.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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