25 receive diplomas at Highland High BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
MONTEREY - Outside it was hot and sunny, but inside the Highland High School gym, large mechanical fans kept the temperature tolerable.The hand fans distributed to the audience also helped. It was definitely not a day to get dressed up and yet 25 HHS seniors donned blue robes and caps with golden tassels and assembled for the last time as a class before venturing out into the world on their own.
The Class of 2007 listened to three of their own reminisce about school days and contemplate the future. They heard guest speaker Betty Mitchell, The Highland Center executive director, talk about what life choices lie ahead for all of them.
As their names were called, first some received scholarships ranging anywhere from $100 to thousands, followed by the ultimate goal of the day - getting their diplomas.
At last, the Highland High School Class of 2007 was free.
"My success is your success," said Cody Armstrong, co-salutatorian and daughter of Mike and Georgeanne Armstrong of McDowell.
Armstrong plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College initially and study environmental science. "For you in the community have given me the freedom to dare, the courage to excel and the belief that I could achieve my best. You had faith in me when I doubted myself," she said.
"Instead of waiting for the perfect day to come along, we need to realize today is perfect in its own way," said Jenna Williamson, co-salutatorian and daughter of Sue Johnsen of Monterey. She will attend the University of Virginia to study business. "We need to embrace it. Make every day as wonderful as it can be, so you can enjoy every moment of it," she said.
"I learned in my years at Highland High School I could do anything I set my mind to," said Monika Dever, valedictorian and daughter of Tom and Becky Dever of Monterey. Dever will attend James Madison University in the fall, majoring in business management and interior design.
Mitchell told the class of her 30-year journey since high school graduation through college, jobs and marriage that eventually led her and her husband to settle in Highland County.
"You are the creator of your own opportunities in life," said Mitchell. "Be creative, be curious, open to new ideas, to new people … and be willing to take risks."
After the speeches, the scholarships, the diplomas and the applause, the Class of 2007 left Highland High School ready to begin a new day.
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