By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — As the new graduates of North Rowan High School hugged their families, congratulated their friends and posed for photos Saturday, they were creating memories.
Several members of the Class of 2011 shared their visions for the future Saturday, but they all seemed to be looking forward to it.
Shelby Gegorek, of Spencer, said she’s excited about going to college to study business administration. She plans to attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and transfer to Catawba College, but not before enjoying her summer as a new high school graduate.
“I’m going to Myrtle Beach for senior week,” she said.
Gegorek had her own celebration Saturday with family, including her smiling grandparents, Joyce and John Limly, and mother, Angie.
“Her dad was a cafeteria manager at North Rowan before he passed away,” Angie Gegorek said. “I’m sure he would have been very proud.”
Several friends and family members surrounded Jarvis “Spoon” Witherspoon after Saturday’s ceremony.
“I’m ready to see him go on in life,” said his father, William. “We’ll trust in him (God), and he’ll take us there.”
Witherspoon said he’ll continue to work at The Shoe Department and save money until he joins the Navy in December.
Another graduate, Mat-thew Laurens, said he’s planning to stay in Salisbury and go to Catawba College, but he doesn’t know what his major will be. He said he was glad to graduate high school because he is “ready to go.”
“We are so proud of this great person and nice young man,” said his grandmother, Alice Hedrick.
Laurens’ father and mother, Jay and Neely, joined grandfather Archie Hedrick in expressing pride and excitement for the accomplishment.
Akevia Charleston, of Salisbury, said she’s going to study animal science at UNC Greensboro.
“I’m so excited,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m ready to be on my own. I’m ready to be me.”
Patricia Sifford, her grandmother, said “it was amazing, a thrill and an honor” to see Charleston walk across the stage.
Her mother, Angy, said she’s glad the days of trying to make sure homework is done are over.
“This is a great moment,” Angy Charleston said. “We couldn’t wait for it to get here.”
Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.