Graduates told end of school marks a new beginning in life

Warren County High School held its twenty-sixth commencement exercises on Saturday morning beneath blue skies and sunshine.
Seniors entered the “Eagle’s Nest” to the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the nationally recognized Warren County High School Band.
Following the processional the school’s ROTC posted the colors and Dr. Yvonne W. Guyton sang the “Star Spangled Banner”.
James Craig Fields, class salutatorian, opened, stating “I welcome all the graduates to the next step and a fresh life.”
Chalis Sledge, class president, recognized the board of education members and other guests.
Megan Pendergrass, National Honor Society vice president, gave a tribute to the teachers and staff of Warren County High School.
Janelle Ross, class vice president, gave a tribute to the parents of the class of 2007.
Ross ended her tribute with the following: “You have taught us to value education and encouraged us to stick with it even when times got tough. We all know that without you, our parents, we would not be here today.”
Principal Joyce Long gave her last instruction to the Class of 2007 by saying, “Always aim high and challenge yourself to pursue the impossible, and you will go further than you could imagine. The harder you work, the luckier you become.”
Erica Holmes, secretary of the class of 2007, introduced the speaker, John Patrick Draffin, Warren County Schools Community Schools director and a Warren County High School class of 1989 graduate.
Draffin opened his speech by thanking his wife, Sarah, for being his best friend and supporting him in his endeavors.
Then he went on to state that the seniors needed to do as he had done and “Surround yourself with good people. You do not have to do this to find success, but it has been my experience time and time again that it helps.”
Draffin ended by encouraging the graduates to learn from their mistakes, not cover them up, and return home to Warren County and contribute to the area.
Valedictorian for the Class of 2007 was Samantha Ann-Lucilla Ayscue, who stressed the importance for the seniors to stay focused on what they love and find a way to share it with others. She went on to state that while today was an ending, it is also a beginning.
The high school Chorus performed musical selections, “Hush, Hush, Somebody’s Calling My Name and Lean On Me”.
Awarding diplomas to the 196 seniors were: Joyce Long, principal, Dr. Ray V. Spain, superintendent of Warren County Schools, Cora Boyd, senior counselor, Mildred Broadnax, assistant principal, Carolyn Faucette, curriculum specialist, and Al Cooper, chairman of the Warren County Board of Education.
When the last senior returned to the seats following receipt of the diploma, a loud roar exploded from the graduates’ area. There was silly string, caps thrown, hugs and shouts and then Long made the announcement they had waited 13 years to hear, “Graduates, turn you tassels” and with that the Class of 2007 marched into Warren County High School history to the sound of “War March of the Priests.”