CC grads toast of the county

Moments before graduation ceremonies at Charles City High School commenced last Friday, a group of seniors proposed a toast, raising glasses filled with non-alcoholic sparkling red grape juice to honor the Class of 2008’s success.

That spirit of celebration carried over into the school’s packed gymnasium where boisterous parents and relatives cheered as the graduates marched in to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the school’s band.

Valedictorian Ashli Brown and salutatorian Zachary Adkins reminisced during their respective addresses to the overflow crowd about the exploits of the 61-member class during their senior year.

“We put on quite a show this year,” Brown said, drawing wide grins from classmates, who earned over $93,000 in scholarship awards.

“It seemed like yesterday we were in convocation and everyone was saying they wanted to see us sitting here in June,” Adkins said. “Look at us now; we made it.”

Both speakers lavished praise on parents, teachers, and all who helped the class reach its graduation goal.

“Class of 2008, now it’s our turn to take a bow,” Brown said, urging classmates to make their mark in the world. “Whatever you choose to do, do it well.”

Adkins said he would always cherish memories made at Charles City High School.

“I would like to wish everyone in the Class of 2008 best of luck in the future,” he said.

Featured speaker Audrey D. Holmes, a local attorney and a 1975 Charles City graduate, told seniors she accepted the speaker’s role to provide encouragement for class members.

“Graduates from this school system can compete with graduates from anywhere,” she told the group.

Drawing on her own experience, Holmes admitted to being apprehensive as she left high school for studies in college and eventually law school. But she said she soon realized her teachers in Charles City had prepared her well for college-level courses.

She warned graduates not to expect top salaried employment once they step beyond high school’s doors.

“You will not be considered for higher paying jobs unless you have an education,” she told the seniors. “And you will not start at the top; you will start at the bottom.

“The harsh reality of life you may have already learned is much of living life in not just about you,” she said.

Calling out the names of seniors who participated in athletics and band, she said graduates must learn to function as a team or as part of an orchestra in life in order to achieve success. Lean on each other for support, she urged.

“My hope for you is you will not live your life selfishly, but live a life of serving others,” she said.

Graduates from a small school system such as Charles City can be as successful as those from larger schools, she concluded, telling the class, “Welcome to the esteemed ranks of alumni of Charles City High School.”