Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
It was a day for smiles, cheers and happy tears at the Pocahontas County High School graduation ceremony Sunday.
Taiylor Hoke welcomed the gathered well-wishers and her fellow classmates, stating, “this is just the beginning.”
“To the graduates, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives – a chapter filled with endless possibilities and opportunities waiting to be seized,” she said. “As you walk across the stage this afternoon, remember the journey that has led you here – each late night study session, every challenging assignment and the bonds formed with classmates and teachers have all contributed to this milestone.
“Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned beyond the classroom – lessons of resilience, perseverance and the importance of community,” she continued. “Pocahontas County High School has not only equipped you with academic knowledge, but has also instilled in you the values that will guide you through life.”
“Class of 2024, as you embark on this next chapter, remember that you are capable of achieving greatness,” she continued. “Be bold, be compassionate and never lose sight of who you are and what you stand for. Congratulations on this incredible achievement. This afternoon, we celebrate us, and tomorrow, we cheer each other on as we step into a future filled with promise. Here’s to the graduating class of 2024 – may our journey ahead be as bright as our potential.”
In her speech, Hannah Burks reflected on the past four years and said that while she has written many speeches, this was the hardest one to write.
“It’s just so hard to sum up four years of high school and who we are as the class of 2024,” she said. “Back through the years I go wandering once again and I think about all the memories, friends and lessons learned. These lessons aren’t the ones we were graded on – they weren’t posted onto a report card. They are far more important than that. We’ve learned most of them without even knowing and I am most thankful for the people that taught us these.”
The class’s freshman year was at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and, while they were able to attend school, they did it with masks on and keeping a six-foot bubble around themselves. By sophomore year, things were back to “normal.”
“We didn’t know what a normal year was,” Burks said. “Maybe that’s why being ‘normal’ is so weird these days. More than anything, we were just excited to see each other’s faces again. Junior year is said to be the most stressful. PCHS was back into full swing. We juggled hard classes, extracurriculars and the responsibility of prom.”
Senior year was the culmination of it all and Burks said that no matter where they roam, they will hopefully, always carry the lessons they learned with them.
“Some say because we live here in Pocahontas county we have little opportunity, but I believe Pocahontas has raised some amazing young people,” she continued. “Pocahontas County is special. It will always be home to us, no matter how far we roam.”
Valedictorian Elizabeth Friel drew inspiration from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song, saying she didn’t want to give a boring speech.
“Now this is the story all about how our lives got flipped, turned upside down, and I’d like to take a moment so just sit right there as I tell you all about the graduates sitting here today,” she said. “Our story started in preschool and was filled with toys when all of us were little girls and boys. I may not have gone to school with all of you at MES, but we can all agree that preschool was the best. None of us wanted to leave, but no matter where we go, always know you have a friend in me.”
Friel shared memories from those preschool days, as well as middle school, leading to graduation day.
“Graduates say high school is the best time of your life, but for our sakes, I hope that isn’t true,” she said. “In fact, I hope that the worst day of your future is only as bad as the best day of your past. We’ve been in school for the majority of our lives and now that we’re leaving there is no game plan, no set schedule to follow every day.
“Many of us are worried about our futures being in the air, but as Muhammad Ali once said, ‘if they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can surely make something out of you.’ So as you continue through life and continue to grow out of the gossip and drama that high school is filled with, remember what I’m about to say: live a life so interesting you don’t have to talk about everyone else’s, and when life shuts a door, open it again, that’s how doors work.”
Salutatorian Kynlee Wilfong was also inspired by music, but not a theme song. Instead, she began her speech with a quote from Taylor Swift.
“‘I’m grateful for every lesson, every moment of peace, every ounce of love,’” she said. “‘Grateful for the friends who are family and the family that feel like friends. Thank you for reminding me of who I am. I’ll never be able to fully articulate the magnitude of my gratitude.’
“We would not be here without the support and guidance of others so let us give them thanks.”
Wilfong thanked the teachers and staff at PCHS and the coaches, and mentioned girls basketball coach Mike Kane, who recently passed away.
“We have recently lost Coach Mike Kane who was full of wisdom and taught me so much on and off the basketball court,” she said. “Thank you, Coach Kane.”
She also thanked the parents and addressed her classmates with appreciation.
“To the parents of the Class of 2024, thank you for supporting us 110 percent of the time,” she said. “You have attended sporting events, traveled everywhere and followed us around to support us in anything we needed. You have been there for our biggest achievements and your support does not go unnoticed.
“To the class of 2024, thank you for the memories that we will remember all too well for the rest of our lives,” she continued. “The past four years have been full of laughter, making every moment memorable. Thank you for supporting each other during the good times and the tough times. It has been enchanting to know you. Let us carry forward the lessons learned, the loved shared and the bond made.”
After receiving their diplomas, the class was addressed by principal Joe Riley, who said he always gets input from students before he writes his speech.
The consensus this year was that they wanted a short speech and they wanted him to tell them they were the best class ever.
“You are the best class ever, wink, wink,” Riley said, laughing.
He did recognize the class for their ability to pull of a senior prank and just as quickly, clean it up to where it looked like nothing happened. Riley said he and the staff enjoyed watching the surveillance footage of the prank and watching the student problem solve as they decorated the entrance to the school.
In conclusion Riley gave the students four pieces of wisdom to carry with them – 1. Be happy and find things and people who make you happy. 2. Call your parents. No matter how old you are, they want to know how you’re doing and what you’re spending your money on. 3. Be proud of where you come from. Appalachians have a special knowledge and ability that no one else does.
And finally, “If there’s ever any problems or you need help in any way, all you need to do is call 304-799-6564 and Cindy Pritt will answer, saying ‘Thank you for calling Pocahontas County High School, how can I help you?”’
Riley then had the students stand, pronounced them graduates, and, with tassels turned, the students shot off confetti cannons in celebration of the end of their high school career.