Give back, be a hero, New Kent Class of 2014 instructed
Jessica Holmes (left) can’t stop dancing as she makes her way across the stage while classmate Terrence Ward Jr. (right) points to the sky in recognition of his name being called during New Kent High School’s Class of 2014 commencement ceremonies on June 13.Andre' Jones photos
Unity. Courage. Give back. Be a hero.
Those four aspects intertwined in speeches given during New Kent High School’s Class of 2014 June 13 graduation at VCU’s Siegel Center. And even if the speakers didn’t realize the connectivity of the messages, it relayed to all 218 graduates, as well as family and friends in the near-capacity crowd.
“It took courage for you to get here,” said high school principal Yvonne Jones. “Your presence is a testimony of your never give up attitude, and it’s a testament of your courage.”
Jones, who will be retiring from New Kent County schools, also thanked parents and guardians for their influence.
“You did not give up and you did not give in,” she addressed those who influenced the outgoing graduates’ lives. “We thank you.”
Undoubtedly stealing the show was senior class president Mikel Chalmers, whose powerful speech brought classmates and attendees to their feet.
“It’s been a privilege to spend the last four years with you all and you have become some phenomenal young people,” said the class president. “But today, I challenge you all to be a hero.”
Chalmers explained ‘hero’ was an acronym he made up, but the impact could be used by all who were within earshot.
“H stands for heart; having heart is the ability to go above and beyond what you want in this life and to dig deep when times get tough,” he began. “E stands for endurance; the race isn’t given to the swift and the strong or the person is educated, but given to the person who hangs in there.
“R stands for rebel,” Chalmers continued. “This is my favorite because this makes you a fighter; every time that you get knocked down, you get back up and you move forward.
“O stands for originality,” he concluded. “There are seven billion people in this world but there is only one you. I challenge you to be a hero because as a coach told me, we are going to mess up and make mistakes, but the one thing about us that will never change is our heart.”
Flabbergasted about following Chalmers’ speech, outgoing superintendent of schools Rick Richardson echoed the class president’s sentiments with a story of his own. He spoke about Martha Cothren, a history teacher who removed desks from her classroom on the first day of school. When students failed to supply a reason why the desks were removed, she had 27 U.S. Veterans bring the desks back in the classroom. Richardson quoted Cothren’s message.
“You didn’t earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you,” the superintendent quoted. “They placed the desks here for you. They went halfway around the world, giving up their education and interrupting their careers and families so you could have the freedom you have. Now, it’s up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don’t ever forget it.’”
“The message I want you to take away is to give back more than you receive,” he added.
Richardson also mentioned the endurance and unity of the class of 2014, speaking on the ordeals they experienced through the year.
“I want to thank you all for being leaders,” he said, speaking on the strength of the football team during the tragedy in the loss of Jacob Vick. “I want to thank each and every one of you all and the New Kent family for embracing the Vick family.”
Also remembered by the class of 2014 was former classmate Cyndal Lynn Ward, who passed away. Classmates sported red ribbons in her honor.
Other messages echoed the previous speakers, but the theme remained the same.
“You have the talent and skills learned from the community to make a difference as you go forward,” said New Kent Educational Foundation president Christopher Lindsey.
“Learn from previous experiences, but always stay focused on the moment and the road ahead,” said salutatorian Michael Venter. “Take the most important lessons from history and use them to better the present and future because we are responsible for what happens to us.
“Be happy,” Venter added. “Stay open-minded and take your past experiences, apply them to the present in order to make your future.”
Valedictorian William Drumheller ended the array of speeches, commenting on using the unity growing up to pave the way for future success.
“We worked with each other, overcoming obstacles and hardships,” the valedictorian said. “Regardless of what life throws at us, all of us will achieve greatness; all in different fields and all in different perspectives.
“Make sure the greatness we achieve captures who we are and who we have become,” Drumheller added. “Be remembered, and serve as an inspiration to those who follow us.”
This year’s class earned $833,017 in scholarship money.
High School English teacher Whitney Curle assists Marvin Allen in adjusting his tassel.
Channing Hogge (right) assists Ashleigh Stroube (left) with her cap in preparation for grand entry.
Senior class president Mikel Chalmers (left) reviews his speech as classmate D’aysa Jones (right) listens while preparing her gown.
Outgoing high school principal Yvonne Jones (center) is moved to tears as assistant principals Wendy James (left) and Christopher Valdrighi (right) present her with a clock as a token of her 14 years of service.
Katie Ilch can’t stop smiling as she shakes the hand of superintendent of schools Rick Richardson after she realizes her achievement.
Ralph Matthews catches superintendent of schools Rich Richardson off guard with a passionate hug for his accomplishments.
Graduation caps head upwards as New Kent seniors are officially announced as graduates.
After the ceremony, graduates pose for final memories in the form of pictures with each other.
Class of 2014 members line up to receive their diplomas after the ceremony.