New Kent High School Class of 2016 is “New Kent Strong”

The formation of lines signify the grand entry during New Kent High School commencement ceremonies Friday evening at VCU’s Siegel Center.

Andre' Jones photos

Living up to the moniker that has guided them for the last four years, 208 of “New Kent Strong” graduates of the Class of 2016 embraced messages delivered during New Kent High School’s graduation Friday night at VCU’s Siegel Center.

In front of family and friends, the outgoing class reflected on tough times and precious moments during the commencement ceremony. And while classmates shed tears during the celebration, they understood the events that took place during their high school journey that unified the group as one body.

Class president Jacob Elisha Butkus-Newman opened the ceremonies by loosening up classmates with a joke before talking about those they honored.

“Tonight we honor Shelby Bowery and Jacob Vick,” he said, shedding a small tear. “I know they are both looking down on us.

“Jacob is definitely smiling at us,” Butkus-Newman continued, speaking on his special relationship. “I know he is proud that we have made it. So let’s proceed on to the rest of our lives.

“They say life is a long and winding road,” the class president added as he began to wrap up his speech. “If that’s the case, we’re just pulling out the driveway.”

Special senior speaker Torun Anne Carlson told her fellow graduates that while today is the beginning of the rest of their lives, to always embrace the time spent in New Kent High.

“It’s important for us to take today to remember and reflect on our four years here,” she said. “I’m sure New Kent High School will always hold a spot in each of our hearts.

“The future is unpredictable,” Carlson continued. “I ask you to begin considering what you want your future to look like and I challenge you to start making steps towards that future.”

Class salutatorian Jackson Gray encouraged his classmates to continue to live up to being “New Kent Strong” in the days to come.

“I challenge you to make a positive impact,” he said. “I challenge you to become an invaluable resource to society.

“The way you present yourself is key,” Gray continued. “You can pay for school, but you can’t buy class.”

Class valedictorian Zhide “Andy” Jin talked about the warm embrace that the community provided him in his transition from New York.

“I remember I was the only Asian student in sixth grade and that was not a fun experience,” he said. “But fortunately, the miserable days did not last long and I started to like New Kent.”

Jin also said that the future requires action, something the outgoing graduates can do.

“We have a duty to do well in whatever we choose and we will have to sacrifice in order to make sure we make a difference while doing it,” the valedictorian continued. “The world needs leaders; but leaders aren’t just managers or CEO’s. They can be anyone that helps others by putting their needs in front of our own.”

He concluded by speaking courageously about a personal experience that forever affected his life.

“Most importantly, no matter what we do, we need to demonstrate loyalty and the mentality of service to others,” Jin said as he began to wrap up his speech. “On Jan. 20, 2015, my father attempted to murder my mother. My world and family’s world was shattered. I had to work harder and took up more responsibility.

“But I remember Mrs. Griffith texted me in the middle of the night asking if my family was alright. In that instant, I knew my community cares for my family. We are lucky to live in a community that cares. We are New Kent Strong and I would like all of us to be New Kent strong whether we serve our country, help future classmates in college, or coworkers in the workforce.”

Superintendent of schools David Myers kept his statements brief.

“Keep things in perspective,” he said. “I just want you to remind you to enjoy life, laugh a lot, and make a difference.”

Myers followed his comments with a video presentation showing graduates giving testimonies, recalling memories, and giving advice to underclassmen.

High school principal Christopher Valdrighi summed up graduation with his thoughts of the outgoing class.

“There is no better testament about these kids and who they are,” the principal said, quoting outgoing seniors Ashleigh Bedwell and Sydney Griffith who wrote essays that were read at the scholarship banquet. “This class has been through a lot, but they have also supported each other through the times.

“These graduates are the reason that I can say that the Class of 2016 is ‘New Kent Strong.’”

Preparations for graduation take place in the auxiliary gym as Ebonee Allen (left) centers the cap of Faythe Haskell (right).

Harley Gostel (left) makes sure classmate Joshua Squares (right) is at the peak of perfection prior to commencement ceremonies.

Kayla Davis (right) takes the role of photographer as she takes a picture of classmate Emily McCartney and instructor Deanna Tate.

Sydney Griffith receives a big embrace from assistant principal Wendi James after hearing her name announced.

After the ceremony, Amber Holmes (center) is all too happy to sign for her high school diploma.

Justin RaBorg is more than happy to show off his diploma in a family photo outside the Siegel Center.

Zoe Wallace has a sweet time with a candy bouquet and family in a photo to celebrate her accomplishments.