Shortly before Laurence Manning Academy presented diplomas to more than 75 graduates on May 18 at Weldon Auditorium, salutatorian Cora Lee Downer encouraged her fellow students to "let your love for God change the world, but never let the world change your love for God."
"Character is defined by what you do when no one else is looking, as Dr. (Spencer) Jordan has always told us," said Downer. "We will be faced with difficult decisions after high school and in our lives, but it's best to remember that, if it would make Dr. Jordan's hair stand up, you probably shouldn't do it"
Downer said that she and her classmates were like a family.
"Throughout our journey, we have crossed many traffic jams, but each time we fell, there was always someone there to pick us back up," she said. "I pray that you never forget your Swampcat family and all the memories we have shared together."
Valedictorian Amy Claire Reynolds agreed.
"My definition of family is a group of people who love and care about you," she said. "They teach you to love God and love others. They teach you to be compassionate and caring. They also teach you how to stick up for yourself."
Reynolds said her Swampcat family - including fellow graduates and the teachers that guided them - helped her through "happy and sad times."
"They're always there for you and will always support you," he said. "They want you to follow your dreams, and they will be there for you along the way. They want the best for you. They sacrifice for you because they love you. They have influenced you to be the person you are today."
Reynolds said, like Downer, that she hopes her classmates will never forget their Swampcat family.
"You should always be grateful to them," she said. "Many of us have been part of this family for 15 years. Each one of us on this stage is a part of something bigger than ourselves. We have had our ups and downs, but we have continued to love each other."
Downer encouraged her fellow graduates to "take pride in all you say and do."
"Never forget where you came from," she said. "Always thank those who helped you get to where you are."
Downer herself thanked the faculty and staff, along with friends and family.
"Thank you for getting us to this point in our lives," she said. "Thank you for the continued guidance and forgiveness that granted us success along the way."
Downer said she and her fellow graduates need to "take what you've learned here and chase your dreams."
"Never forget our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been with you every step of the way," he said. "May God bless each and everyone of us as we go through the next chapter in our lives."
