Seventy-nine students walked across the Weldon Auditorium stage on May 16 to receive their diplomas from Laurence Manning Academy Headmaster Spencer Jordan and High School Principal Tripp Boykin.
It was a time of celebration and remembrance for the students, many of whom grew up together from kindergarten.
“We have become like a family,” said Valedictorian Will Wannamaker. “We will all cherish the memories that we made here.”
He thanked the faculty, staff and LMA board members, and also the students’ families.
“You have given us an example that allowed us as students to grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally,” Wannamaker said. “I want to thank the Lord for allowing us the opportunity to attend this institution. God has blessed us with good times, laughs, knowledge and great memories.”
Wannamaker encouraged his former classmates that balmy day in May to “hold fast to those memories.”
“Throughout the rest of our lives, they will be there for us,” he said.
He advised his fellow graduates to “be diligent (and) work hard.”
“Hard work is the greatest path to prosperity,” Wannamaker said. “But don’t let your ambition keep you from creating new memories.”
He said he and the 77 other students should “enjoy life, have fun, appreciate our friendships and make new ones.”
“Love, dare, take adventures, pray, smile, be happy,” he said. “It is easy to let the pursuit of success distract from the greater things in life, the things that matter most.”
He advised his former classmates to “treasure your relationships with others.”
“Treasure your new experiences and knowledge, no matter what you do after this night,” Wannamaker said. “And remember this night throughout your lives. Remember the experiences we shared together.”
Wannamaker finally challenged his fellow graduates to heed Philippians 2:3-4, which says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interest of the others.”
