Wayne Country Day graduates turn tassels
By Steve Herring
Published in News on May 26, 2018 8:24 PM
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Wayne Country Day School co-valedictorian Jennifer Potts, left, takes a selfie with math teacher Pat Smith prior to Thursday's graduation ceremony. Potts will be attending North Carolina State University.
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Wayne Country Day School students Ben Cohen, left, and Hunter Bryson use a wall-size mirror to adjust their mortarboards Thursday morning prior to graduation ceremonies held at the Paramount Theater.
Wayne Country Day School seniors Ryan Smith and Jack Talton have similar advice to leave to their underclassmen: Study hard, work hard and leave knowing that you have done your best.
The school's 31-member Class of 2018 walked across the stage Thursday morning at the Paramount Theater each pausing to reflect one the day and their time at the school.
"You dream about a day like this with all of your friends ,and you just don't ever think about it ever getting here, but it is just indescribable," Smith said prior to the ceremony.
Smith, who entered the school as a junior, said he was a little nervous about being on stage, but that he was ready for the moment and was ready to get it over with.
He plans to travel this summer before attending N.C. State University in the fall, but will probably be doing his first semester in Prague.
Smith will major in human biology and then plans to attend medical school.
Talton entered the school as a freshman.
"This moment is kind of unreal because you never think it is going to end, but today it is coming to an end," he said. "It is coming to a close, but I can say I did my best, and I am ready to go on to the next chapter.
Talton said he will volunteer at a youth leadership camp this summer and will attend Wake Forest University where he will major in biology.
Zander Pittman and Jennifer Potts were co-valedictorians for the class.
"Each of the people on stage with me this morning has a unique take on what life at Wayne County Day was like," Pittman said. "Some of us have spent the past four years thinking that this day couldn't come fast enough and are eager to taken these next steps in life's quickly as possible.
"To others, today has come far too quickly, and the future is marked by uncertainty as we leave the homes we have known for so long to go in search of bigger and bette places."
But regardless of how they feel, the class is special, Pittman said.
Whether it seems the past four years have flown by or have dragged on endlessly, the truth is they are over, he said.
It is crazy to think that after the goodbyes are said following the ceremony that classmates may never have an occasion to come together again, Pittman said.
They will no longer be big fish in a small pond, but small fish in an ocean of possibilities, he said.
"The future holds much uncertainty, but somehow I know that we will all find our own way and thrive regardless of what life throws at us," Pittman said.
"All that is left to do is go out and do whatever it takes to leave our mark on the world, so congratulations Class of 2018, and thank you again for all of the memories."
Potts said the students had developed as individuals and gained knowledge and skills they will use in college and beyond.
And they have memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, she said.
"Through all of this, we just couldn't wait to be seniors," Potts said. "Little did we know how fast our senior year would fly by."
Every event had to be captured on camera since it would be their last year together, she said.
There were hugs and high-fives at every senior night, and parents kept asking for "just one more picture," she said.
"We grew sentimental as we approached our last practice, last home and away games and last bus rides home," she said.
But there also was an excitement with all of the senior-year related events like the senior trip, senior lunches, senior photos and college acceptance letters, Potts said.
With each milestone, seniors bonded more as a class, she said.
She encouraged her classmates to take a moment to realize how far they have come and what they have accomplished.
"These achievements were made possible by the guidance and support that have been given by our families, teachers, coaches, school administrator and friends, in addition to the overall encouragement and inspiration from everyone involved in our education," she said.
"You have given us the knowledge to excel, the courage to challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones and the confidence that we can succeed. You had faith in us even when we doubted ourselves."