By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
The Class of 2018 faced an uncertain graduation ceremony last year with the teacher walkout and this year the Class of 2019 faced down bad weather.
The ceremony was rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon but graduates were no less happy to cross the finish line of their high school careers at the State Fair Arena. Nearly 250 seniors were laughing and smiling as they waited for the commencement to begin at 1 p.m.
Piedmont High School Principal Trinity Johnson began his speech thanking parents for the work they invested in their children.
“Parents thank you for the opportunity you’ve given us to work with these great young men and women,” Johnson said. “Your efforts have provided us a solid foundation from which we can build upon. You’ve done a great job instilling the value of education and learning in these graduates and for that we thank you.”
Johnson congratulated an accomplished senior class, whose individual achievements were too many to mention. The student body received more than $1 million in scholarship money. The Class of 2019 has 24 academic scholars and 103 Oklahoma Honor Society members.
“The Class of 2019 has closed a productive chapter in their journey and are ready for what lies ahead,” Johnson said. “So, graduates you are embarking on a new chapter tonight.”
Class President Johnathan Tully reminisced about good times he and fellow classmates enjoyed.
“These past four years have their share of good times,” Tully recalled. “Going crazy at sporting events, messing around in practices, knowing which teachers we could get to tell their life story and waste class time, spending late night with your closest friends and countless more memories. I feel like we’ve truly made the most of our time in high school and I’m proud to say that our class has stepped into leadership roles this year. In sports becoming one of if not the most decorated classes in Piedmont history, leading our teams to multiple playoff appearances, culminating in state championships in boys’ cross country, as well as girls’ basketball as well as individuals in wrestling and track.”
He urged his classmates to follow their dreams and desires.
“My advice to you is as follows which is our class statement. ‘Live every moment like it’s your last,’ cherish every moment as you go forward and make the most of it,’” he said. “You all are some of the finest and hardest working people I know so go into the world and make a difference in the lives of others. Be the leaders, volunteers and selfless people I know that you are.”
Most of the 28 valedictorians and one salutatorian gave short speeches.
Several students relied on their faith to get through high school including valedictorian Joel Joseph.
“First of all I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the opportunity to stand before you all,” Joseph said. “I am filled with gratitude for the great things God has done in my life. I will use this accomplishment to glorify the name of the Lord.”
Joseph said before he started high school he was nervous and did not believe he was ready.
“It was at that moment that God took me on my lowest day and brought me up by his righteous right hand. He is the reason I am standing here today.”
Brian Montgomery added some humor to his speech with a touch of humility.
“Well boys and girls we’ve done it. Twelve years in the making and we’re now the biggest fish in the smallest pond we’ll ever be a part of,” he said. “I don’t know where the world will take us, but each of has the potential to be great in our own way. Find yours and be the future.”
