By Maggie Blackwell
mblackwell@salisburypost.com
The 50th West Rowan High School graduation was marked with moments of poignancy and reflection.
Catawba College’s Keppel Auditorium was filled to capacity Friday. The West Rowan High School Band, cloistered below the stage in the orchestral pit, played the processional as seniors clad in pale blue caps and gowns filed down the aisles to the stage.
Flags were presented by the West JROTC. Grace Gbunblee (pronounced BUN-blee) led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, then introduced guests assembled on the stage: Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom, school board member Kay Wright Norman, Principal Jamie Durant, Assistant Principal Nelson Cowden, assistant Grayson Hampton and Assistant Principal Richard Hansen. Graduates sat on the stage behind the guests, their caps a sea of shimmering blue.
Durant presented a diploma to Nolan and Jane Hampton, parents of Frederick Joe Hampton, who lost his life in April. The audience rose as one and applauded in Joe’s honor.
Durant took a moment to announce to the assembled crowd that the ceremony was being transmitted live to Iraq, so that Lt. Col. Tim Mauldin could watch his son graduate.
“On behalf of all of us, thank you for your service for our country,” Durant said.
Again, the crowd rose and applauded.
Faith McElroy, student government president, gave the first speech. McElroy thanked three teachers by name, referring to history teacher Mr. Suther as “the eccentric grandfather.” Suther dressed up as a Civil War soldier and as Harry Potter to keep students interested. McElroy thanked English teacher Ms. Rekhopf for teaching how to write the perfect essay. She also thanked calculus teacher Mr. Hrutkey.
Academic speaker Brantley Horton thought back on the students’ 13 years of education, “or 14 or 15 for those who took their time.” He noted that “life is short and can change in a second,” a reference to his friend, Joe Hampton. His speech concluded with a verse: “Many the plans of a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.”
Drew Fortune pulled his inspiration from a movie for his speech. He told about a grandmother on her first roller coaster ride. It had ups and downs, and scared the life out of her ó and when it was over, she begged to ride it again. She compared it to the merry-go-round, which felt safer, but had none of the thrills, going around in circles, and arriving back where it began.
Gbumblee spoke again, thanking staff members by name. She humorously thanked assistant principal Cowden for giving her a dollar every time the drink machine took her own.
Durant presented awards with the help of Leigh Anne Wetmore, teacher of the year. Salutatorian was Rachel Hopler, with a final GPA of 4.75. Valedictorian was Christine Lazine, with a GPA of 4.8125.
Durant asked the onlookers to remain quiet during the presentation of diplomas, advising them to stand quietly in honor of their graduate. Most complied. There was an occasional whoop or cheer, and one very clear, “Praise God!” as a grinning young man took his diploma.
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Administrators also presented diplomas to 225 South Rowan graduating seniors at Catawba’s Keppel Auditorium at noon on Friday.
Lindsay Frye, student body president, gave a commencement speech with the theme, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” She challenged seniors to have the heart of a baby, filled with wonder; the heart of a servant, sensitive to the needs of others; the heart of a soldier, overcoming fear; and the heart of a champion, triumphing over trials.
Addison Walker and Seth Corriher were introduced by Tyler Morgan, who called them, “My heroes, my brothers, my friends.”
Walker and Corriher’s speech repeated the theme of having heart. They challenged seniors, “Wherever you go, go with passion and conviction; go with purpose and dedication.”
Salisbury High’s commencement exercises were also at Keppel, at 8 p.m. on Friday. There were 202 graduating seniors.
Co-valedictorians Suncica Dragas and Laurel Loeblein gave their speech together, using the metaphor of blasting off to the stars.
Loeblein said, “As you continue on your journey, the only certainty is that you will experience the unexpected. … Remember to take joy in all of it. Consider it an adventure to dodge the meteors. It will make you a better, stronger person. Also take time to sit back and enjoy the beauty of a shooting star.”
The Salisbury graduation was the final ceremony for Rowan-Salisbury graduates of 2009. School Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom shook hands with each of the 1,360 graduates.