Ending one journey, starting a new one message sent to New Kent High School’s Class of 2019

Young ladies of New Kent’s Class of 2019 take in the atmosphere after marching into VCU Siegel’s Center for the commencement ceremony.

Andre' Jones photos

Messages on ending one journey and starting the next echoed as 222 graduates of New Kent High School’s Class of 2019 were recognized Friday evening inside of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center as part of commencement ceremonies.

After a welcome by high school principal Chris Valdrighi, class president Jonathan Reynosa Gonzalez spoke about the growth experienced over the years.

“This evening is dedicated to us but remember many people in attendance today have played a part in us in being here,” he said. “Part of the journey is the end.

“A world of opportunity is available for each of us our here and no matter if you go to higher education, the work force, or the military, take advantage of it,” the class president concluded.

Salutatorian Brandon Bonner’s speech reflected on the timeline of the Class of 2019 journey, but also the ones that paved the way for him to earn an education.

“I would be remiss to not first mention the accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Calvin C. Green,” he said to open up his speech. “His work in the 1968 case Green vs. County School Board of New Kent allowed for the enforced desegregation of school systems across the nation and paved the way for me to stand here today.

“I would like to start reminding you of your rites of passage that led up to this moment,” Bonner continued. “In elementary school we lost our baby teeth and met many new friends. In middle school, we traded in our cubbies for lockers and we gave up recess for gym clothes and P.E. class. In high school, we earned our driver’s licenses and got cars and we passed our classes and SOLs. Look at how far we have come!

“Though I cannot at this time tell you all that life is, I can tell you what it is not,” he added. “The purpose of life is not riches. What makes life valuable is having a personal relationship with God and having meaningful, positive, and fulfilling relationships with other. Second, the purpose of work is not retirement, but to use your God-given talent, skills, and abilities to have an impact on your community.

“We should seek joy in work that fuels us to keep striving for excellence,” the salutatorian said as he wrapped up his speech. “With these principles in mind, let us look forward to what lies ahead for us. Let us not waste our gifts but use them in the home, in the workplace, in our community, in civic organizations, and among friends.”

Valedictorian Taylor Yates talked compared her love for softball that led to many journeys in her life.

“Softball has been my world since I was five years old and it has greatly shaped my life,” she said. “It has given me most of my friends and it turn, it’s given me an extended family.

“The best thing it has ever given me is the relationship I have with my dad as he’s been my personal chauffeur, my coach, and my best friend,” Yates continued. “It has taught me the greatest feelings of joy from winning tournaments, and has made me feel at my lowest too, such as striking out three times in one game.”

Yates then transitioned her passion for the game to the outgoing class.

“I would like for you to think for a moment about what your version of softball has been and how it has impacted you,” she continued. “It may be a sport, an activity, or it may be a person. Whatever or whomever it may be, cherish it.

“As we graduate today and begin this new chapter of our lives, we must remember what got us here,” Yates added. “We always hear ‘leave the past in the past’ but I disagree. Find a balance of forgetting and cherishing. There is no need to hang onto what could have been, but there is no weakness in thinking about the battles you have survived and the accomplishments you have achieved.”

After garnering a laugh imitating his robocalls about inclement weather, former New Kent superintendent of schools Dave Myers commented that he appreciated the honor in speaking with the graduates and imparted some words of wisdom to the Class of 2019.

“The most important thing we can do is encourage life learning and be kind,” he said. “Be kind. When you are faced with challenges, opposition, and people who are obstacles and treat you wrong, remember you can still choose to be kind.

“You will face massive forks in the road,” the former superintendent continued, speaking on his recent decision to leave New Kent to work for Virginia’s Department of Education. “That was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made, and you will be facing those type of decisions. In conclusion, be true to yourself.”

Taylor Goode (right) pins an emblem on the sash of classmate Dean Powell (left).

Christine Best (left) gets the final touchup to her gown with an assist from Brendan Day (right).

At left, Matthew Wiechman poses with English teacher Kari Rappold as Cat Perrine and Emily Montecalvo assume the role of photographers.

Athletic Director John Spiak (right) assists Colby Brooks with his tie to make sure he looks professional on his big day.

Interim superintendent of schools Dr. Carol Fenn (left) bestows the valedictorian medal around the neck of Taylor Yates.

Dominique Akrie-Williams busts out a few moves as he makes his way across the stage.

After the ceremony, Ben Hager inks his name on the sign-out form to receive his diploma.

An emotional brace after the ceremony takes place between Ciara Young (back) and Logan Deters (front) after they realize their transition into alumni of the school.

Gavin Stevens (left) takes time to have a little fun during a family picture to celebrate his big day.