Houston County High School Class of 2004 says farewell

Photos by Mike Davis
Story by Teresa N. Settle
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER

The Houston County High School Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of
Diplomas took place last Friday night at HCHS, beginning at 7 p.m. From the
first notes of the HCHS band playing "Pomp and Circumstance," to the final two
farewell songs selected by the seniors themselves, the evening seemed to go
without a hitch.
Principal David Bell welcomed a gymnasium packed with family and friends of
the 93 graduating seniors, before turning the ceremony over to Senior Class
Vice-President Frani Odom.
Odom quoted a poem by William C. Bryant, written in 1817, that, paraphrased,
means live life to the fullest without regrets. Odom thanked the friends and
family in the audience for their attendance and added that the seniors are very
blessed to have such a wonderful community supporting them.
Senior Class Secretary Dawn Cobb gave a brief class history, beginning with a
tragic accident during the class's freshman year when Holley and Alisha Wolfe
were killed in an automobile accident.
Cobb reminded everyone that the Class of 2004 was the last class to experience
both the old high school (now the middle school) and the new school (now three
years old). As freshmen, the class was also the first class to experience block
scheduling all four years.
Their sophomore year, with 9/11, Cobb stated, "Tragedy instilled a new sense
of togetherness, not just for the class and the community, but the country as
well."
During their junior year, they hosted the prom at Paris Landing, using the
theme, "Where You Take Me." And, during their senior year, the class finally
got the coveted spirit stick.
After the class history, the song "I'll Be There For You" was played prior to
the introduction and speeches of the valedictorians and the salutatorian.
This year's five valedictorians were Jamie Cary, Megan Cleghern, Dawn Cobb,
Crissy Deason, and Morgan Falls. The five intertwined their speeches so that
they almost flowed as one.
Cary began the speech by recalling the seniors' progression through school. In
kindergarten, she said, they were taught to be nice and share. In sixth grade,
they were only interested in being "cool." As sophomores, many learned to
drive. Now as seniors, many are trying to pick the right college.
"Now is the time to prove that we can spread our wings, leave the nest, and
soar," she said, adding that senior fears are shared by their parents.
Cleghern stated a quote about success. She gave seniors pieces of advice.
"Live your dreams. Never give up. Use your God-given talents. Don't waste that
potential."
Cobb started out with quotes about studying hard, making good grades, and how
school comes first, but she also said students should have fun.
"Sing like no one is listening," she said. "Dance like no one is watching.
Splash into puddles. Don't ever take life too seriously," she added.
Deason said seniors have been lucky to have a loving community full of
friends, families, teachers, and church families. She said these have made
seniors stronger, wiser, and better.
"Thank you so much for your encouragement and support," Deason stated.
Finally, Falls began with, "It's finally here... the next stage... a new
journey... a new path." He concluded with FUTURES as an acronym.
F - Find fulfillment.
U - Use your talents.
T - Talk to people.
U - Understand everything you can.
R - Remember
E - Everything
S - Sacrifices and Steps
Falls said Jesus Christ made the greatest step in sacrificing His life. He
said seniors should "Go. Make your life what you want. Go. Do."
Salutatorian Rebekah Lamberth talked about moving to Houston County in the
fourth grade. She reminded the class that people change over time. Her only
advice was "Do what makes you happy, and do it for the love of God."
Senior Class President Rachel Rohm read the names of the seniors while
Director of Schools Mark Beal presented the diplomas and shook each senior's
hand. He was assisted by Bell.
Beal added, "I wish each of you success, but most importantly, I wish each of
you a life of happiness."
Rohm said the two chairs at either end of the front row with flowers in them
were in memory of Alisha and Holley Wolfe.
The senior class song was then played: "I hope you had the time of your life."
Seniors then moved their tassles from the right side to the left of the
mortarboard. Then Senior Class Sergeant-at-Arms Leslie Lewis gave the closing
words, "As these challenges come, face it with a new determination," before
presenting the graduates to the audience.
As follows tradition, the seniors then tossed their motarboard hats high in
the air and cheered.
HCHS Class of 2004 is now a part of history.

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