by V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
It was more than just “Pomp and Circumstance” last Friday as Jefferson High School con veyed 79 diplomas to the JHS Class of 2021. It was a celebration of things getting back to normal.
Salutatorian Samantha Taylor set the tone for the evening in her address to students.
“We are here tonight to celebrate a culmination of many years,” Taylor said. “The journey has been long. We have many memories; we’ve had to say goodbye far too soon to some friends. I wish my longtime friend Katelyn Mutai was here with us tonight, as she was should be. While not here physically this evening, she is still in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew her. Katelyn we miss your contagious smile.”
The 2021 class honored Mutai with a seat at graduation among them. It held a photo of her and some of her favorite things.
Valedictorian Regan Wix continued the sentiment “This year we experienced loss like no other,” said Wix. “We lost a dear friend and teacher. I’d like to urge you all to never take anyone for granted. Tell your loved ones that you love them every day. Live your life without any regrets and to the fullest.”
“We learn so much from our past but this is commencement: the end of one chapter and the beginning of another,” said Taylor. “There are new adventures, new opportunities ahead of us; new friends to be made, and new possibilities around every corner. We are all on this path together. And life is much sweeter if we share it together.”
“This school year especially has been hard on us all, but together we’ve persevered,” said Wix. “Our class, more than any class before us, has faced great challenges. At the end of our junior year we were hit with the pandemic. School was shut down and we had to go home. We lost our prom and our summer. To say this year was a learning curve, is an understatement. Together we all struggled. But we managed, and we did it.”