Spring Creek High graduates turn tassels
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on June 14, 2015 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Members of the Spring Creek High School Class of 2015 applaud after Principal Stephen Clingan made his declaration of graduation.
Before the members of the Spring Creek High School Class of 2015 turned their tassels, Kenton Lane joked he was one-third of the way done.
"One down, two to go," he said, as he waited for his son, Eli Lane, to graduate.
Eli's mother, Karen Lane, was a little more sentimental.
Eli will be joining the Air Force upon graduation.
"I'm excited, but worried," Mrs. Lane said. "I think it will be good for him."
His parents said their son was more than ready to graduate.
His dad laughed, "I'm ready to do it two more times."
For Penny Coates, it was a bittersweet moment, watching the last of her three children, Madelyn Coates, graduate.
"She's my baby," she said. "I'm very nervous. I'm excited and proud."
Madelyn was also nervous.
Standing in the hall before the ceremony, she fiddled with her cords.
"I'm scared about the real world," she said. "Everyone is so excited, but I was very content."
All of her friends and family went to Spring Creek High School with her.
"I knew everyone's name, it was very small and very close," she said.
In the fall, she will attend East Carolina University to study biology.
"I won't know everyone there," she said.
But she plans to take the lessons she learned at Spring Creek with her.
"You have to value yourself, respect yourself and respect your education," she said.
For Yefry Perez and Marcial Perez, graduation marked the start of their service in the Air Force.
Both boys played soccer for Spring Creek, and learned many lessons they will take to the military.
"I learned teamwork," Yefry said.
Marcial says he will always remember the feeling on the bus, coming home with the win.
He was happy and sad to leave.
"I feel both, in a way, but it's a good thing."
The 135 graduates of Spring Creek reminisced during the ceremony about their time together.
Valedictorian and Student Body President Chad Spurgeon spoke of sports games, including the three conference championships, failed senior pranks and studying.
He urged his fellow students to remember where they came from, but to go boldly forward in a new direction.
"Some of us are going on to colleges. Some of us have jobs lined up, others have already pledged to serve our country in the military," he said. "Let's explore and dream and discover and show the world just what we are prepared to accomplish."
The Class of 2015's gift for Spring Creek was picnic tables around the campus.
As Devin Koonce, Senior Class secretary, counted down the tassel ceremony, the sea of seniors in green and navy blue cheered loudly.
Taiesha Morgan's stepdad Tim Hampton cheered along with them.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," he said.
She will be going to the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
"She's such a cool kid," he said. "This is a big milestone for everyone."