Meghann Evans/The Stokes News
West Stokes graduates throw their caps after the conferring of the diplomas.
Meghann Evans/The Stokes News
West Stokes graduates hold their roses in the air as Maria Sharpe and Nicholas Branscome perform the Green Day classic, “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
Meghann Evans/The Stokes News
Principal Tony George addresses the West Stokes High School senior class at graduation.
Meghann Evans/The Stokes News
Valedictorian Hannah Helms speaks at the West Stokes High School graduation. The other speakers, pictured on stage, were Ashton Dale Wagner, Braeden Jewell Barr, and salutatorian Kayla Dale Holder.
Where: West Stokes High School football stadium
When: Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m.
Number of graduates: 207
What the speakers said: “It’s absolutely amazing and very evident that we of the class of 2012 have left many fingerprints in our four years here at West Stokes.” — Hannah Kristen Helms, valedictorian
“We must be confident in what we have chosen for our next first … Never choose something because it’s the easiest or quickest, but do it because it’s what you want to accomplish.” — Kayla Dale Holder, salutatorian
“I think we can all agree that this has been the best senior year any graduating class has had and will be nearly impossible to top.” — Braeden Jewell Barr, one of the top four students in her class
“Now it’s time to put all of our knowledge to the test … Congrats class of 2012. We are all wizards now.” — Ashton Dale Wagner, one of the top four students in her class
What administrators said: “I will always love you and I will always be there for you.” — Principal Tony George, after quoting “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Superintendent Ronnie Mendenhall advised the students to value time and friendship; establish high expectations; do their best in everything they do; take pride in their school and community; pursue excellence; learn to navigate life’s challenges and curves; and know that they are well prepared.
“You are an amazing group … The mark you’ve left on this school, it’s always going to last forever.” — Principal Tony George
What got the biggest laughs: Principal Tony George ending his remarks with “Peace out!”
Braeden Jewell Barr admitting that she joked with the football team that they would never win the state championship.
Kayla Holder saying: “With dating came a whole new kiss and go lane.”
Principal Tony George making fun of himself for messing up a student’s name.
Most inspirational moment: The student class standing up to clap and sing along as Hannah Calloway broke into the hit song “We Are Young” at the end of her performance of “Memories.”
Members of the state champion football team being gathered on the football field for the last time as Wildcat seniors.
What the graduates did: Received roses sidestage after being handed their diplomas by Principal Tony George.
Waved their roses in the air as students Maria Sharpe and Nicholas Branscome performed the Green Day classic “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
Threw their caps in the air after the principal declared them official graduates.
What the crowd did: Gave faculty members a standing ovation when Principal Tony George recognized them.
Blew airhorns as students received their diplomas.
Cheered when Principal Tony George said, “This is the biggest crowd since we beat Shelby.”
Flooded the endzone after the graduate recessional.
Overheard: “I’m gonna miss you, girl.” — parent to a child’s classmate
“We liked to never got here.” — parents talking before the ceremony
“I have to go through there?” — attendee pointing to the visitor’s entrance
“Where did you get to park?” — one parent to another
“You did it, you did it, you did it!” — sibling to a graduate
“Strike a pose.” — parent to student
Recognitions: The class of 2012 boasted around 50 honor graduates.
This year’s senior class accomplished many athletic achievements, including winning a state football championship.
Several students received full academic scholarships.
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