Graduating Trojans encouraged to be ‘New Kent Strong’ to impact world

Gentlemen and young ladies of New Kent High School’s Class of 2018 gaze over the crowd after marching into the Siegel Center to begin commencement ceremonies Friday night.

Andre' Jones photos

An intertwining message given to 236 graduates of New Kent High School’s Class of 2018 focused on the theme of being “New Kent Strong” to make an impact.

Friday night’s commencement ceremony at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center brought the outgoing class along with families and friends to witness the festivities. And those festivities revolved around reflection, recollection, and responsibility to make the world a better place.

Senior class president Colton Millis said his four years in high school helped define what it was to be “New Kent Strong.”

“It was not until this year when I stepped outside my comfort zone and got more involved with the school that I learned and attempted to emulate what it meant to be ‘New Kent Strong’,” he said. “New Kent Strong is not limited to perseverance though. It embodies good character and strong morals and the will to do the right thing.”

Millis talked about the timeline the Class of 2018 had bonding through each year of high school, but also that the Class of 2018 is just one side of the family.

“New Kent is one big family and we all lookout for one another,” Millis added. “Being New Kent Strong is something that each and every student in this Siegel Center has lived up to today and I hope will continue for the rest of their lives.”

Salutatorian Harrison Hunt said that the most important lessons learned in the classroom wasn’t the material, but the means to be successful taught by classroom instructors.

“When reflecting on my high school career, the first two words that came to my mind were chaotic and stressful,” Hunt said. “However, this is not how I want to remember my four years in high school. I would rather remember those who impacted me the most. I would rather remember the life lessons they taught me outside of the lesson plans.”

Hunt named several teachers that provided meaningful advice through their teaching methodology to prepare the Class of 2018 in life.

“I want you to think about each and every one of your teachers, mentors, coaches, or even friends,” he added. “While you may not remember exactly what they taught you, remember how they taught you and how they tried to mold you. We will be the ones modeling behavior for future generations.”

Valedictorian Zhi Jin reflected on how New Kent Strong helped overcome personal tragedies.

“I could have easily given up on school and solely focused on the family restaurant, but I chose to focus on both my academics and the restaurant,” he said. “All of these troubles were caused by outside forces that I could not control.

“I asked for help from the staff, but I could also have easily not asked for help and failed,” the valedictorian continued. “But I was able to make friends who have helped me in times of need, and through my own actions, I was able to succeed academically and stand in front of you today.

“You are in charge of your future,” Jin said as he began to wrap up his speech. “Your surroundings do not determine your success; your actions do.”

New Kent High School principal Christopher Valdrighi advised graduates to be authors of their own books.

“Work on your story. Figure out where you want to go,” he said. “Start at the end and work backwards. There will be obstacles in the way for you to overcome.

“But there are three keys to succeed,” Valdrighi continued. “Keep it simple, get involved, and inspire. Do something in this world to make it a better place than what it was before.”

After garnering a few laughs about the number of robo-calls made for snow days this year, New Kent superintendent of schools Dave Myers used the motto to recall the achievements of the Class of 2018.

“Make sure you all reach your greatest potential,” he said. “We have local, regional, and state champions, musical champions, band champions, and so many successful clubs.

“You gave so much to New Kent County over the last four years,” Myers added as ceremonies began to conclude. “For that, I am proud to be New Kent Strong.”

Madison Hamlet (right) makes sure Hunter Memmer’s cap is properly adjusted before graduation ceremony.

Shane Weimer and Eric Taylor embrace as they realize the milestone they have reached.

Darius Jones (right) straightens up the bow time of classmate Jason Godbey to make sure he is looking dapper for the occasion.

Shannon Bennett snaps a photograph of Kim Bashore and graduates Coleman Greene (left) and David Ramon (right) as they gives a thumbs up to show off their excitement for graduation.

Elijah Greer shakes and shimmies his way across the stage after hearing his name called.

Tahlia Wynn smiles in delight as she shakes the hand of New Kent High principal Chris Valdrighi and receives her diploma.

After the ceremony, Amber Beach joins family members young and young of heart for pictures to commemorate the moment.