Meghann Evans | The Stokes News
Principal David Hicks takes a photograph with graduates present at the graduation ceremony: front row, from left — Ashley Dale Cox, Andrea Michelle Vernon, Ashley Renee Boyles; back row — Casey Dylan Sprinkle, Ian Powers Dunlap, Nathaniel Kole Mabe.
Meghann Evans | The Stokes News
Principal David Hicks speaks at the 2013 Meadowbrook Academy graduation.
Meghann Evans | The Stokes News
Meadowbrook Academy graduates listen to a welcome by Principal David Hicks.
Meghann Evans | The Stokes News
Principal David Hicks presents Ashley Cox with her diploma. She was one of eight students to receive a diploma from Meadowbrook Academy this year.
Where: First Christian Church of King gymnasium
When: Saturday, May 18 at noon
Number of graduates: Eight
What the speakers said: “Each student must make the right choices,” said Principal David Hicks. He spoke about how it is never too late to turn your life around.
“Your future is bright,” said Hicks. “Don’t let the light fade.”
Superintendent Ronnie Mendenhall said, “Look at what you’ve accomplished … Today should be one of the most special days in your life.”
Mendenhall told the graduates, “You’re going to have challenges after today … You just enjoyed some of the greatest years of your life.”
He said, “You’ve taken a big first step. You’re through with high school … What you do with the rest of your life is up to you … Everything you do, you have a choice … Choices will inevitably decide your future.”
Mendenhall told the students there are four traits they need: being dependable, trustworthy, loyal and honest. He said, “Don’t ever sell yourself short. You can accomplish anything set before you if you put your mind to it.”
What the graduates said: “It was funny and it was fun,” said Ashley Boyles.
“I’m glad it came,” said Ashley Cox.
“I’m just so glad that I can finally do what I want to do,” said Casey Sprinkle who wants to be a teacher.
“Ms. Creal is one of the best teachers I’ve had,” said Nathan Mabe.
“I’m glad I graduated and all finally. It took me a year but I did it,” said Andrea Vernon.
“Life changing experience. It’s pretty big … I finally got it,” said Ian Dunlap.
What got the biggest laughs: Principal Hicks told the students some advice he had heard from a speaker: “Today you are charged with going out into this great big world to solve all the problems we the adults have created for you.”
Hicks advised the students, “Today is the best day and a great day to ask for money.”
Counselor Craig Smith sang a song he wrote about the students at Meadowbrook. One line said, “I’ll be glad to crash a graduation party if you tell me what’s on the menu.”
Most inspirational moments: When the graduates received their diplomas from Principal Hicks.
When King American Legion Post 290 did the presentation of colors.
What the graduates did: Followed Principal Hicks’ instructions to look around at all the smiling faces there to support them.
Laughed at Craig Smith’s song about the graduation.
Posed for group photos before and after the ceremony.
What the crowd did: Cheered when Principal Hicks announced the school had its largest graduating class in school history.
Said the Pledge of Allegiance after King American Legion performed the presentation of colors.
Snapped photos throughout the ceremony.
Enjoyed refreshments at a reception for the graduates and families following the ceremony.
Overheard: “I just want to give you a hug.” — graduation attendee before the ceremony
“We need more chairs.” — staff member as people started filing in
“I’m so proud of you.” — parent to student after the ceremony
“I’m like a proud daddy.” — Principal Hicks
Recognitions: The school was recognized for having the largest class of graduates in its history.
Mendenhall called the school a “progressive school” that has set students up for success by teaching them 21st-century skills.
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