Published: June 12, 2009 08:51 pm      

Tazewell, Buchanan County schools see hundreds of graduates turn tassels

BLUEFIELD, Va. —Hundreds of graduates took a giant step into the future Friday during commencement exercises across Tazewell and Buchanan counties.

At Graham High School, diplomas were awarded to 106 graduates. The class of 2009 at GHS was led by valedictorians Jeremy Andrew Johnson and Alexander Michael Azzo and salutatorian Samia Sekkarie.

“The class of 2009 — for the past four years — it has been a pleasure to have here at Graham High School,” GHS Principal John O’Neal said. “It’s just a wonderful bunch of students, and I have enjoyed being able to share the time with them over the past four years. I really hate to see them go, but I know it is time for them to move on because I know they are ready. I feel like the teachers here at Graham High School have prepared them well for the future.”

At Richlands High School, diplomas were awarded Friday night to another 156 graduates.

The class of 2009 at Richlands High School was led by valedictorian Sydney Allysen Stacy and co-salutatorians Mohan Nagaraja and Rachel Annette Beckner.

“This has been an exceptional class,” RHS Principal Karen Webb said. “We were very fortunate to award many, many scholarship to these seniors during our annual senior awards program, and many of them have been recognized for outstanding achievement, and many are going on to further their education at colleges. Probably, the thing I’m most proud of with this class is the fact that they have been working throughout the year to give back to the community as part of our RHS Gives Back Campaign, and they have volunteered community service hours. Each of them participated in 10 community service hours each. I feel like they have made a great impact on our community and the things they have done to help community.”

At Tazewell High School, diplomas were awarded to 134 graduates.

Our music is the future and we can compose it however we choose, advised Class of 2009 quad-valedictorian Timothy McClure at Tazewell High School’s 136th annual commencement Friday. Diplomas were presented to graduates by Principal B. Keith Hovis, assisted by assistant principal Rodney Reid, counselor Shirley Beisel and counselor Maria White. Class members Jennifer Phillips and Kayla Coxton were recognized posthumously.

Mr. Hovis told the seniors, “You are an outstanding class with a wealth of talent. Go forth, now and get what you need, sell what you don’t, and, most importantly, know what you have already gotten.

“I am proud to call myself the strange mixed breed of Indian and Bulldog,”said Morgan Cornett, who earned valedictorian honors from Pocahontas High School, which was closed at the end of her junior year. I learned that our hearts are all made of the same precious materials.”

John C. Lambert, another THS quad-valedictorian, said to his classmates, “I encourage you to create for yourself opportunities and enable yourself to choose the pathway that meets your desires.” Virginia Olmsted, also a quad-valedictorian, advised, “Whatever challenges, whatever obstacles you may meet, remember this is not the end of a road, but rather the beginning of one.”

Salutatory addresses were given by R. Andrew Grindstaff and Miranda Grose. Grindstaff said, “We welcome you tonight as you have come to see us make the biggest transition of our lives: from child to adult.”

Grose, who also earned the first three years of her class ranking at Pocahontas, noted, “I thank my Tazewell classmates for opening the doors of your school and making us feel welcome, and most of all I am proud to say I am to be graduating with a class which has such an amazing amount of strength and courage.”

Class vice president Kathyrn Lambert led the Pledge of Allegiance and president Kayla Whitt presented the farewell address. The Green-T Singers directed by Laura Allen presented an opening selection and later sang the Alma Mater with accompaniment by John Sharpe, who played for the processional and recessional.

Sponsors Sue Ellen Presley, Sharon Rhudy, Bob McGraw, Mark Maxfield, King Boyce, James Cure, Billy Roach, and Scott Louthan coordinated the graduation which was held in the Leon Yost Gymnasium at Tazewell Middle School.

In Buchanan County, 42 students accepted their diplomas Friday night at Hurley High, 26 at Council High, 54 at Twin Valley and 93 at Grundy High School.

— Larry Hypes and Charles Owens contributed to this report