New Kent 2023 graduates set bar high, expected to take next step in life

New Kent High School graduates receive their final instructions prior to marching in Friday night.

Andre' Jones photos

As 249 graduates sat inside VCU’s Siegel Center Friday evening as part of New Kent High School’s Class of 2023 commencement ceremony, the message of sharing experiences and taking in each moment was highlighted throughout the night.

The celebration of the latest Trojan graduating class peered into the past and prepped the outgoing students for the future.

“This is our last year of high school and our last chance to make core memories that will last a lifetime,” said Senior Class President Kiyah Stokes. “I could stand and talk for hours about what an amazing year we had, but I did not come here to boast about the things that I did as president, but I come here to thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to serve and lead you.

“The next couple of months we will be going on different paths,” Stokes continued. “Life as we know will be changing, but whenever you feel alone, I want you to think back on the school years and all the memories we made together. I’m proud of every single one of you and I encourage you all to embrace the unique story you have.”

New Kent High School Class of 2023 Salutatorian Sophie McLaughlin spoke about being able to see her hometown for what it was as she grew older.

“Contrary to popular belief, it is not this academic title [of salutatorian] that I treasure the most as I leave Trojan Town, it is the relationships I have been so lucky to be a part of,” McLaughlin said. “The people sitting in this room have taught me more about myself and about the world than any of my A.P. (Advanced Placement) or D.E. (Dual Enrollment) classes ever have.

“You would say New Kent County was a sleepy town,” she said, mentioning the grocery stores and local shopping areas. “It’s a town that fosters meaningful connections and turns neighbors into friends and into family.

“I advise you all as well as myself to make sure our focus is on doing what we love and positively impacting our communities,” McLaughlin said as she wrapped up her speech. “Although I will miss seeing all of your faces that have grown so familiar over the years, I cannot wait to see where our futures take us.”

New Kent High School Class of 2023 Valedictorian Katie Ross compared the journey to graduation as a person ascending a staircase.

“You can’t just jump from the first to the second floor of a house, you have to get there step-by-step, just like we have been doing all these years,” she said. “We take that first step, and then we are able to take more and more until that second floor is in sight.

“Here we stand on graduation day, standing on that second floor,” Ross continued. “Looking back at all the steps we had to take along the way, some steps might have been a quiz or exam, while some might have been a winning game or one that we lost. But there you were partway up those stairs; we accomplished all these things, and it turns out we made it.

“We are no longer at the bottom, but we are not yet at the top and there is nothing but more stairwells in front of us,” the valediction added. “As we start climbing again, we might not know what our future holds, but we know that we can face it, one step at a time. It looks like that landing is far away, but one step at a time, one accomplishment at a time, one goal at a time, we will keep moving upwards.”

New Kent Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols talked about the connection that he had with the Class of 2023, as they were the first freshmen group he encountered upon his arrival to the school district.

“I am filled with a whirwind of emotions as I recognize the exceptional individuals you have become,” he commented. “Not only have you grown, but we have grown and evolved together.

“I’m filled with hope and optimism in the future when I see you all,” Nichols added. “As you step in the world, you carry the hopes and dreams of the entire New Kent community.”

New Kent High School Principal Chris Valdrighi concluded the ceremony by saying that the outgoing graduates have learned their A-B-C’s.

“A is for attitude, B is for beliefs, and C is for character,” the principal said. “When you all first entered the high school, you were more mature, thoughtful, spirited, talented, and athletic than any other class.

“Your attitude, beliefs, and character will take you far and always remember, you are New Kent Strong,” Valdrighi concluded.

Ashlynne Williams and Theron Staub (right) adjust the mortarboard of classmate Natalie Cooper (left).

Serra Swartout (left) and Campbell Proffitt (right) mirror each other to make sure they are good to go prior to the ceremony.

Cyrus Jones daps up Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols after he hears his name called during the announcement of graduates.

After the ceremony, Trojan graduate and former New Kent-Charles City Chronicle intern Erica LaRochelle signs her name to receive her diploma.

Phoenix Snapp is all smiles for a photo as she enjoys her first few moments as a high school graduate.

DeAndre Taylor is swamped by family and friends for a group picture after the completion of commencement ceremonies.

Selfies haven’t gone out of style as the family of Nevaeh Coney squeezes in for a photo to remember the special occasion.