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grolfe
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Posted: Fri Jun 5th, 2009 04:14 pm |
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By Glenn Rolfe
Leader & State Register
LAUREL – Menacing clouds and a few sprinkles were not about to dampen Bulldog spirit on this night.
Laurel high School’s Class of 2009 reigned like champions Thursday, May 27, graduating outdoors at Robert Ruston Memorial Stadium.
To cheers from family, friends and classmates, 117 seniors – one of the largest classes in recent memory – received diplomas, marking the end of their K-12 educational journey punctuated by happiness, sadness, prom, homecoming, cell-phone confiscation and drama.
“Throughout all of years of high school our class has faced many obstacles and struggles that we overcame. We have had to deal with loss of friends and loss of loved ones,” said class valedictorian Ashley Cheeseman. “We have survived high school. We have dealt with drama, teachers, disappointment and breakups. That is all behind us. We wanted to live our lives outside the walls of high school, and strive to make Laurel a better place. It is our time. Everyone has different views on what success is. I know everyone can be successful, if we try.”
Laurel High school Principal Dean Ivory coined this year’s seniors the class of champions, for their many achievements.
“They have led by example in the classroom, on the athletic field and on the stage.
Whether it is performing for the arts or athletically, they have done a phenomenal job representing Laurel High School for four year,” said Mr. Ivory.
Fifty-eight class of 2009 members will attend post-secondary institutions and four will enter military service. Combined, the class earned $660,000 in scholarships.
“Our kids are something special,” said Mr. Ivory. “I am proud of you, proud of your accomplishment and I know you will be an asset to our community.”
Laurel Superintendent Dr. John McCoy, at his first Laurel graduation, encouraged class members to “make good choices, learn from your mistakes and grow from your successes and failures. And may God bless you in all of your efforts.”
Brandon Phulesar, class salutatorian, saluted parents, friends, teachers and mentors who have “shaped us into what we are.”
“We are 117 different stories, and 117 reasons why the world we live in will thrive and revolutionize because of what we have achieved,” said Brandon. “Class of 2009, I ask this one favor: Take today as an opportunity to truly understand what you learned in life and consider how you will use your knowledge to serve and give back who are less fortunate and those who have made an impact on your life.”
In attendance as special guests per Laurel 50 year tradition were 19 members of Laurel’s Class of 1959, which Mr. Ivory noted provided four scholarships for this year’s class through the Laurel Alumni Association. The 1959 class, which had 78 graduates, also has the distinction of being Laurel’s last undefeated football season.
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
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