No fear: Charles City graduates ready to conquer next phase in life

Charles City High School seniors stand and prepare to move their tassels as part of the final phase to declare themselves as graduates.

Andre' Jones photos

Even as 2017 commencement ceremonies took place on June 10 at Charles City High School, the outgoing class, as well as speakers, showed their intertwining bond by remaining on the same wavelength in messages received.

Fifty-three members of the outgoing class were recognized during the Saturday morning graduation. The clear message given to the future alumni; no fear.

“We did more than build our way up; we changed the journey in our school,” said class president Jada Cotman to open the ceremony. “We made history and succeeded in all that we did.

“No matter what path we take, it’s not going to be easy,” she added. “Remember, success is no accident and we must overcome failure to reach our goals.”

Class salutatorian Kylee Brinkley’s remarks revolved around the pathways that was presented to her classmates in the past and the ones that are available to them in the future.

“I see a class that will prosper in all aspects of life,” she said. “We must close old doors to open new ones. We must not forget what the old doors have taught us.

“We must make our own future worthwhile,” the salutatorian continued. “We have grown up small, but we have not grown up to give up.”

Valedictorian Asia Prentiss emphasized to her peers that not everything in life will fall in their favor.

“We are not going to be successful in all that we do,” she said. “FAIL stands for ‘First Attempt in Learning’.

“It’s okay to fail sometimes,” Prentiss added. “We must have the courage to step into the unknown and continue to move forward.

“This is our day to shine,” the valedictorian said as she began to conclude her remarks. “The sky is not the limit for us. We are the ones to rip the atmosphere and go to outer space.”

High school principal Panagiotis Tsigaridas provided a top ten list of how to succeed in life. Among those included perspective, ‘success vs. significance’, and a theme that seemed familiar to what graduates heard from the previous speakers.

“Keep the faith, don’t fear life,” the principal said. “Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate. This is the first chapter of your story. There will be drama and other items that will come up in your book; it is up to you what genre you want.”

Commencement speaker the Rev. James H. Johnson provided three words that described the Class of 2017.

“Affirmation. You all did what you had to do and met the requirements to graduate,” Johnson said as he began his speech. “Inspiration. That’s when you have a good idea and a good impulse. You all need to inhale the moment.

“Finally, expectation,” he continued. “I’m not talking about the rewards you’re going to get today, but rather the outlook for greater things in life. I saw how bright this future class was on June 6 when they received a total of $1.2 million in award money.

“Those three words are what you will deal with when you face the future,” Johnson concluded. “Today, reflect on this victory.”

Superintendent of schools David Gaston wrapped up the ceremonies by thanking the parents and the community.

“You gave us your two most precious resources; your money and your children. Thirteen years later, we have this product and the successful class of 2017.

“We’re looking forward to the next chapter of your book,” the superintendent concluded.

Daniell Tyler (center) gives some pre-graduation assistance in organizing his gown with the assistance of Nicole Allen (left) and Marissa Henderson (right).

Abigail Sweeney (right) straightens out the hair of Hunter Jones to make sure his cap is a perfect fit.

Taylor Richardson gets a final touch-up on her lips with the assistance of Baylee Crew.

Ashley McDermott (right) helps Trevor Kelly adjusts his honor cords prior to the opening processional.

Dashia Smith’s mortarboard expresses the motto of “Behold the Green and Gold,” a sign of her future studies at Norfolk State University.

Miana Smith can’t contain her excitement as her name is called to receive her diploma.

After the ceremony, Cecil Tyler and his family find a spot among the crowd and come together for a group photo.

Inside the gymnasium, Raven Christian poses for one of her many photos as she is congratulated on her accomplishment.