Graham HS class of 2017 says goodbye

The Graham High School song starts with, ‘Let our voices loudly ringing, Echo far and near,’ and just like the song, the class of 2017 let themselves be heard during their graduation ceremony Friday.

Parents, friends and family members filled the GHS gymnasium to honor the graduates and their high school achievements. At the front of the presentation sat 174 graduates and, one, distinguished honor graduate Hudson Peavy, led the invocation.

“We are all gathered here tonight because we are blessed, blessed with an opportunity to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2017 and blessed to celebrate the opportunity for another generation to do good in the world,” he said.

After the invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by class secretary Ashley Choate, then GHS principal Joe Gordy introduced the graduates and recognized their achievements. The introduction led into the salutatory address by class of 2017 salutatorian, Morgan Gober.

Gober has a grade point average of 4.655 and was involved in cheerleading as a three-year All-American Cheerleading nominee, the technology student association, UIL headline writing, choir, Spanish club, art club, Key club and was inducted in the National Honor Society as well as a runner-up in the All American Girl pageant. Gordy said that Gober had been awarded multiple scholarships and plans to study biology at the University of Texas at Austin, but for Gober, her high school time has always been a primer for college.  

“High school has simply been a trial run of life. We have learned how to exhibit patience, kindness, positivity and so much more, but now it time to see these things in action,” she said. “The last four years have been training, training on us to change the world. We owe this opportunity to our wonderful teachers, who have spent countless hours working to prepare us for every obstacle we may face.”

Valedictorian Edwin Smith Graham gave his speech after Gober. Gordy said Graham graduated with a grade point average of 4.662. During his time at GHS, Graham participated in multiple UIL events, placed second in the UIL Social Studies event, placed third nationally with his Stellar Xplorers team, placed in the Technology Student Association contest, placed in the state competition for debate and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Smith was also involved with football, basketball, track and field and tennis, and was a multiple-score elite academic all-state honoree. He also recently was recognized as a National Merit Scholar and he will be attending Stanford University, but is undecided on a major.

During his speech, Smith jokingly quoted the opening to “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to introduce himself. He thanked his parents and said he knew the anxiety that some in his class were feeling, but urged them to pushed forward.

“Remember the path to success is not straightforward, nor is it easy,” he said. “You will face challenges and you will experience successes, but no matter what is happening, you have to keep going.”

After the presentation of diplomas by Gordy and various members of the school board who were presenting to their children, the time finally came for the class to be heard. The class of 2017 chanted their school song one last time, then tossed their caps in air to thunderous applause.