New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Lasting bond, loyalty to class highlights 2016 Charles City graduation ceremony

By Andre Jones | June 11, 2016 4:11 pm

Students stand as family and friends garner a number of photographs during Charles City High School's graduation's processional on June 11.

Andre' Jones photos

Even though Charles City’s Class of 2016 recognized that each class member would be heading their separate ways at the conclusion of their June 11 ceremony, parallel messages revolving around bonds highlighted the celebration.

Fifty-six members of the graduating class crossed the stage in front of a capacity-filled Leon C. Miles Memorial Stadium during the morning commencement ceremonies. This was the first time in nearly two decades that the high school graduation was held outdoors.

Senior class president Victoria Banks emceed the ceremony, speaking to classmates about the difficult year that many endured just to make it to graduation.

“We’re overcome all the talk and came through stronger than any other class before us,” she said, referencing a few specific classmates who dealt with medical issues and hardships due to deaths in the family. “We were not like the other classes. We called each other, checked up on each other, and sent cards during our other classmates’ time of need.

“I look at us as one big family,” she continued. “We learned together. We fought together. Most importantly, we conquered together.”

Salutatorian Tyler Allen commented about the group’s growth from their first days in middle school to the time they took their seat for the morning commencement.

“We went from being lost kids of not knowing what to do to going to finding and knowing exactly who we are,” Allen said. “We knew each other’s personalities and knew who did what, but that’s what makes us a family.”

Valedictorian Sydney Richard also spoke on the special bond held by members of the Class of 2016.

“We had trials, tribulations, blowups, makeups, and breakups,” she said. “But that is what makes us unique.

“I see so many chances and opportunities to be conquered,” Richard continued, pointing to a variety of career choices classmates are pursuing. “Be strong and keep the faith. In order to exceed, you must be willing to fail. By overcoming failure, we will succeed.”

Commencement speaker Kerry Canaday, a former teacher for Charles City public schools who also instructed the graduating class as fourth and fifth graders, emphasized the class’ upcoming journey into the real world.

“Life is going to throw you some curve balls,” Canaday said. “Life is short. Either take that curve ball or knock it out the park.

“Don’t chase down your dreams; make them a reality,” he added. “Today closes one chapter in your life and opens another.

Charles City High School principal Panagiotis Tsigaridas referenced his educational background in biology to inspire the Class of 2016.

“I want you to look at yourself like oysters,” he said. “Out of all the oysters, not all of them can form a pearl. Those who do the work can form a pearl. Oysters get uncomfortable when they make pearls, so you can expect to be uncomfortable in your journey to create a pearl.”

Superintendent of schools David Gaston left a small remark about new chapters in the graduates’ lives to come to conclude the ceremony.

“You have written a chapter here with your classmates and one by yourself,” he said. “Take the stories you made here into the world and make new ones. Enjoy the day because it’s yours.”

Charles City graduates earned $455,000 in scholarship money.

Jasmine Dabney (right) helps classmate Jazzlyn Smith adjust her graduation cap prior to the ceremony.

Jasmine Dabney (right) helps classmate Jazzlyn Smith adjust her graduation cap prior to the ceremony.

Stephanie Doan's mortarboard depicts her future goals to impact the world as she journeys into the next phase of her life.

Stephanie Doan’s mortarboard depicts her future goals to impact the world as she journeys into the next phase of her life.

Aliyah Tabb holds a selfie stick to capture memories with classmates prior to commencement.

Aliyah Tabb holds a selfie stick to capture memories with classmates prior to commencement.

Shane Smith (right) is all smiles as Charles City Ruritan member David Ledbetter announces the graduate as this year's recipient of the organization's annual scholarship.

Shane Smith (right) is all smiles as Charles City Ruritan member David Ledbetter announces the graduate as this year’s recipient of the organization’s annual scholarship.

Noah Ragland pumps up the crowd and embraces the cheers as he walks across the stage to receive his diploma.

Noah Ragland pumps up the crowd and embraces the cheers as he walks across the stage to receive his diploma.

After the ceremony, Chris Copeland (center) strikes a pose with family members to archive his achievement.

After the ceremony, Chris Copeland (center) strikes a pose with family members to archive his achievement.