Memories of a lifetime
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on May 24, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Wayne Early Middle College High School graduates smile as one of their classmates gives a speech Tuesday night during commencement at The Bridge Church.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Daniela Ortiz helps Amanda Portillo with the zipper of her gown as they wait for a signal to line up for commencement inside Wayne School of Engineering Wednesday night.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Seniors from the Wayne School of Engineering walk through the doors of the Goldsboro High School auditorium Wednesday night to receive their diplomas.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Adriana McFadden gives student remarks during Wayne Early Middle College High School's commencement exercises Tuesday night at The Bridge Church.
Two non-traditional Wayne County public schools held commencement ceremonies this week, Wayne Early/Middle College High School and Wayne School of Engineering.
WEMCH had its ceremony Tuesday evening at The Bridge Church in Princeton, with 55 students presented with diplomas.
The school does not select a valedictorian but traditionally features student speakers to address classmates.
Bennett Hair shared several themes featured at the school, which is housed on the campus of Wayne Community College.
Among them were absolute chaos, procrastination, last-minute lunch runs as well as the diverse and unique atmosphere.
There is one theme, though, which stood out above all the rest -- they are one big family.
Hair didn't always see it that way, he said, reflecting on how much growth has happened for the seniors over the past four years.
"We have been through good times and bad times just as family does," he said. "We have had disagreements just like any other family.
"We have laughed together and we have cried together just as family does."
As time passes, changes are imminent, he said. From the students to the teachers and principal, as well as the school itself, he said.
And the biggest change for the Class of 2018 is unfolding now.
"We are about to step out into the great big world, a world full of adventures and a whole lot of change," he said. "I have to warn you, it can be overwhelming, even scary at times. But it doesn't have to be scary and it will not be scary. Do you know why?
"Because we are going to face this change together, just as a family does."
Adriana McFadden shared some of her own trepidations about transferring to the school, uncertain at first if it would be the right place for her.
First impressions, she said, were that it would be a very competitive school and she might not be able to handle it.
Then came the acceptance letter, she said.
"It was like the start to a brand new life," she said, hinting that the first day she arrived on campus felt like a "circus."
"But I couldn't help but enjoy all of the crazy dances we did and all the welcoming people here," she said. "From the house games, bonfires and prom, WEMCHS started growing on me, and I love this school.
"I have had a lot of ups and downs at the school but I wouldn't want to go through those ups and downs at any other school."
She credited the school with getting her out of her shell, making wonderful friends and helping her grow as a person, before acknowledging three people in her life with providing a solid foundation.
McFadden thanked her stepfather "for being the dad that I never had," distance learning adviser Lanette McGlown and her mother for being the glue that held things together.
"Thank you for all the lectures and all of the good cooking because I'm not going to be able to get much of that when I leave for college," she said, before praising her WEMCHS family for providing her with the best possible high school experience.
Wayne School of Engineering graduated 64 students Wednesday night in the auditorium of Goldsboro High School.
The ceremony also featured student speakers.
Megan Huston said she was grateful for the "best class this school has ever seen."
"I was given friends that would have my back during rough patches, classmates who would push me to do my best and who would also help me practice saying my debates and opinions in a way that I would win every battle," she said, adding, "Well, mostly win every battle, but I never like to give up that easily or admit defeat."
The school had trained its students to be strong leaders, not followers, Huston said, and equipped them to face the world.
A self-professed Taylor Swift fan, Huston said she wouldn't ask for a different ending to the high school chapter.
"I hope you can look back and remember this outspoken, red lipstick-wearing Swiftie you went to high school with," she said.
Classmate Rayce Gibson recalled being told as a child to shoot for the moon, knowing if he missed, he would still land amongst the stars.
Never did he imagine how relevant that word picture would become, he said.
"You see, we live in a world of dreamers -- a world where women can run for president, a world where first-generation college students are graduating from four-year universities, a world where people of any race or class are getting accepted into multiple ivy-league schools at a time," he said.
The measurement of success may differ, he pointed out, and not everyone's path will be the same.
But each of them has the potential to make the world a place of adventure, knowledge and self-discovery, he said.
Giving a shout-out to social media, he referenced a Twitter video that "perfectly encapsulated what I am trying to say into a few words," he said. "'Life doesn't happen TO you but FOR you.'"
Caleb Whitted added one final story, reminding the Class of 2018 that no matter where they find themselves next year -- at a university, in another state or staying behind at WSE to complete "the fifth year," ultimately it is not about the direction one goes or how long it takes to get there.
"What matters is that we get where we want to go and more importantly, what we do when we get there," he said. "Our goal is to make a difference wherever we go.
"There will be lots of trial and error and small steps to help us reach our goal. If there is one thing this school has taught us, it is to overcome our challenges and understand that sometimes things will get harder before they get better."