Alberton seniors bid farewell
<p>Alberton High School valedictorian Ryan Vicek hugs Alberton School Counselor Kara Cox during graduation. </p>
ALBERTON – Thirteen Alberton seniors graduated May 18, and were welcomed to the real world by teachers, staff, parents and other spectators.
The school gym hosted the emotional ceremony as tears of joy and sadness were shed.
Many of the graduates have yet to know life outside of Alberton, as shown in a slideshow of each student growing up from an infant to now.
The tight-knit group that spent most of their high school career either being involved in sports, or providing service to the community, must now go their separate ways although Alberton will always be home.
After Alberton School Superintendent Clay Acker, and Principal Kyle Fisher made the initial welcome, students gathered roses and passed them out to those important to them. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building as students hugged teachers and loved ones while presenting them with the importance of that red rose.
Although everyone’s emotions were dialed up, the show went on.
Sixth grade teacher Jacob Giffin was one of the first to hit the podium and speak to the crowd, and gave his words of advice to the graduates.
“It’s easy to be humble, appreciative and happy when everything is going well, but how will you choose to act when everything doesn’t go as planned?” Giffin asked. “You can choose to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and choose the person you wish to be. I wish you the best of luck in the next chapter of your life.”
One last speech awaited, by Valedictorian Ryan Vicek who addressed her fellow students.
“I’m truly honored to be given the opportunity to speak on behalf of my classmates,” Vicek said.
She offered one piece of advice, not only to incoming high school freshmen but to all Alberton students.
“Make the most out of your many years at Alberton, get involved try something new and take advantage of all the opportunities that are offered to you,” Vicek said. “You’d be amazed of all the things you would discover about yourself if you step out of our comfort zone. I urge you to take chances.”
The graduates were then conferred upon one-by-one as each stepped on stage and received their diploma. The earlier tears of sadness erupted into smiles and laughter as each of the 13 graduates took their turn moving the tassel on the cap to the other side to signify that graduation as official.
Once finished, the audience was presented as the Class of 2014. The new graduates removed their caps and threw them in the air in typical succession. The pianist took to the instrument and played music as everyone stood, and each new graduate filed out over the red, glittery carpet and into the lobby.
The ceremony, and their high school careers are now over. Excited family members rushed to the exits and greeted the students with hugs, and for some, with the flash of a camera.
The summer now awaits. For some a celebration, for others, one last goodbye to what they once knew and what the future hold.