Northeast Vernon County graduation held Saturday

Northeast Vernon County (NEVC) held its graduation ceremonies on Saturday evening, May 13. Senior Class President Brooklyn Foreman welcomed everyone who attended and gave the invocation. Senior Lillie Gerster sang the national anthem. High School Counselor Megan McInroy took the stage and offered a few words of advice to the Class of 2023. She asked, "What is the most important thing we need in life?" She proceeded by stating, "Time is what we need." She explained to the class how valuable time is. Then, McInroy presented the seniors who were awarded scholarships and awards, and there were also some individual scholarships and awards presented by members of the community.

Salutatorian of the class, Charity Middleton, delivered her speech. She asked, "What is the most important thing we need in life?" She proceeded and stated, "Time!" Middleton continued to explain how a person never has enough time for many important things in life. She shared that when she was a freshman, she participated in various extracurricular activities and has no regrets. She expressed gratitude to all of her coaches and administration for their help and guidance throughout the years, especially High School Math Teacher Brenda Cain and High School FACS Teacher Laurie Bybee. She thanked McInroy for taking on the role of school counselor and acknowledged the responsibility she undertook, which guided the senior class on the right path. Middleton also paid respect to each teacher she had during her four years of high school, thanked her parents, family, and classmates. Lastly, she quoted the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Next, Valedictorian Ayren Rapp delivered her speech. First, she acknowledged the memories they have accumulated from their childhood up to this point. Rapp offered three pieces of advice:

• It's okay to make mistakes, learn from them

• Find something you love and are passionate about, and pursue it

• Always look forward to your next adventure. She thanked her family, friends, and everyone who supported her at NEVC. She concluded by sharing the words her dad used to say to her every day, "God loves you, so keep on smiling."

The class's former English Teacher, Michelle Leroux, served as their guest speaker and delivered her speech. She shared some words of wisdom with the class. Her first piece of advice was not to forget the memories they create. She then recited the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. Leroux continued with her words of wisdom and emphasized three points:

• Surround yourself with people who encourage you in the face of obstacles

• Recognize your worthiness; and 3) Life goes on. She expressed gratitude to the class for inviting her to be their guest speaker.

A senior slideshow was presented, dedicated to the memory of fellow classmate Anthony “Dean” Quihuis, who tragically passed away a few years ago. High School Principal Josh Smith and Superintendent Chris Holcomb presented the Senior Class and distributed their diplomas. To conclude the ceremonies, Senior Class Vice President Kylan Bachand delivered the closing invocation, and the class walked out.

The Class of 2023’s class colors were black and silver, and their class flower was the rose. Their class motto was, “If you can make penicillin out of moldy bread, surely they can make something out of you.” Their class song was “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds, and their class sponsors were Brian Burlingame and Brenda Cain.

For photos from the NEVC graduation, see the “NEVC Graduation” photo gallery on nevadadailymail.com.