Remember New Kent, roots Class of 2013 instructed
Graduation caps and beach balls take flight as New Kent’s Class of 2013 is announced during commencement ceremonies last Friday at VCU’s Siegel Center. .Andre' Jones photo
Even at graduation, New Kent’s Class of 2013 remained on one accord as they celebrated their achievements last Friday night.
Supporters of the 217 graduates convened at Virginia Commonwealth’s University Siegel Center with one thing in common:
“New Kent,” said class valedictorian Alexys Gray in her commencement speech. “What is the one thing that we share, the one all encompassing entity that binds us together? New Kent.”
Gray encouraged her classmates, that no matter the path they choose in life, to remember where they came from.
“Remember the values they established for you and show the world there are still places like New Kent County where values, commitment to community, and respect for others continue to be a priority,” concluded the valedictorian in a powerful speech.
Graduating class president Bailey Angle lightened the mood to open the night, poking fun at the recent restaurant additions and his “disappointment” that his class wouldn’t receive the popular pencil speech from superintendent of schools Rick Richardson. But Angle also spoke about the journey along the way for outgoing graduates.
“When things didn’t necessarily seem to work out in our favor, the people of the Class of 2013 always strived to find the next best solution,” the class president said. “I have confidence in that no matter how far all of us go from this county, when the future hands us some tedious bumps in the road, I know the people of the Class of 2013 can shatter every obstacle and strive for greatness.”
Salutatorian Cassandra Drain spoke about how this year’s graduating class defied stereotypes depicted on television and movies.
“There are three basic high school movie prototypes: jocks, nerds, and the artsy kid,” Drain said. “Jocks run the school while nerds do the jocks’ homework and the artsy kids, again, break out into song and dance.
“I’d like to say that I am glad these stereotypical cliques cannot really be found in the New Kent High School Class of 2013,” she continued, pointing to honor athletes, honor students, and the versatility of the class.
“Be an individual. Be unique. Most importantly, continue doing what you do best; it has gotten you this far,” she concluded.
High school principal Yvonne Jones quoted an unknown author to sum up the journey for the future alumni.
“You have two ends in life; one for sitting and one for thinking,” she said. “You obviously used the right one to get here tonight.”
Richardson concluded ceremonies by recounting numerous achievements of the Class of 2013 and emphasized the future journey.
“Where you go and where you end up will be a constant stream of decisions,” he said. “It’s easy to make a buck, but difficult to make a difference.”
This year’s graduates earned $680,126 in scholarship money.