North Duplin graduates 72
By Steve Herring
Published in News on June 12, 2016 1:45 AM
News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Mikayla Koch, left, and Alyssa Best share a wistful moment before North Duplin's graduation.
MOUNT OLIVE -- North Duplin Jr./Sr. High awarded diplomas to 72 seniors Saturday afternoon during the school's 61st commencement exercise held at Kornegay Arena on the University of Mount Olive campus.
Family members stood as the soon-to-be graduate's name was called, and each student received a long-stem yellow rose as they walked across the stage.
The school is located about three miles south of Mount Olive near Calypso in Duplin County.
"It is my pleasure to stand before you as we celebrate the accomplishments of 72 young adults who have worked long and hard to reach this special day," Principal Anthony Jones said. "Class of 2016, the day that you have anticipated for so long has finally arrived. Here we are, your graduation day.
"This is a momentous occasion for you, your family and friends because it truly takes a community to raise a child. During the past six years we have walked the halls of North Duplin together. I have had the opportunity to watch you learn, have fun, face challenges, celebrate successes and develop into the young adults sitting before me today."
There are many memories to share, he said.
Jones told the seniors that as they look to the future to remain humble and to remember to take the time to help and to serve others.
He said the seniors' most important possessions will be honesty, integrity and a desire to make a difference.
"Live a life that you will be proud of full of love, happiness and success," he said. "As you go throughout life remember, the road to success if not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family.
"You will have flats called jobs. But if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith and a driver called Jesus you will make it to a place called success."
Salutatorian Shaily McCarty reminisced about the class' years at the school.
It is, she said, an opportune time to thank families and graduates.
She thanked teachers and staff for making her a better person as well as for their kind words and support.
"To family, you have never doubted me," she said. "Thank you for all of your support no matter what was getting myself into."
Valedictorian Hannah Smith told her classmates to dance like no one was watching.
"Today we all have been waiting for is here," she said. "We finally to get to graduate and most of us can't wait to see what live has in store," valedictorian Hannah Smith said. "Many of us have been together for 13 years, and now the day has come to say goodbye to high school and most of the people associated with it."
Miss Smith told her classmates they will no longer have their teachers to provide advice.
"We are finally facing the real world, and for some, this is very exciting," she said. "But it is frightening as well. The past 13 years of our lives have been preparing us for this day."
Many people put on a façade to please others, but that stops people from being themselves, she said.
She told her classmates they need to be themselves and not worry about what others say.
"If you care so much about what other people think of you, you will prevent yourself from being the best you that you can be," she said. "We have to remember to stay true to ourselves and hold fast to the values that were installed in us from a young age.
Going out into the real world it is important to "dance like nobody is watching," and be the best person that they can be, she said.
"Today as we walk out of here as graduates of North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School, I want you to remember to live your life to the fullest," she said. "Never let someone hold you back from achieving your purpose. When life gets tough, make the best of it.
"Lastly, remember that life is a not a dress rehearsal. So make wise decisions that will have a positive impact on life and the lives of others."