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PLUMSTED: Class of 2014 Warriors nab sheepskins

By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
   Once a warrior, always a warrior.
   That’s what Principal Gene Mosley wanted graduates to take away from his speech during the New Egypt High School graduation ceremony held in the gymnasium on June 25.
   Although Mr. Mosley said it had been a whirlwind of a first year for him as principal of the school, he said he learned what it meant to be a warrior by watching the senior class.
   He said warriors are supportive of classmates and friends. Warriors are resilient, responsible, mature, and workers. Most of all, he said, a warrior is proud of his/her history, traditions and community.
   ”So when you go off to college, the workplace or the military, don’t be scared. Walk in and take it all in…get yourself involved…and when you do, don’t forget where you came from…because what you bring with you are the qualities of a warrior.”
   Principal Mosley was the first to speak after the class of 2014 proceeded to their seats during “Pomp and Circumstance.” Chandler Miller led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and Brenna Williams sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”
   Superintendent Karen Jones also had some advice for the seniors.
   ”There is no doubt that you will encounter times of difficulty,” she said. “Yet challenges can help you learn.”
   She told students to conquer their fears.
   ”Life in the 21st century can be fast,” she said. “New Egypt schools have given you the edge.”
   She also told students to let their passions and hearts be their compasses.
   ”Prepare to weather any storm on your life’s journey,” she said.
   Board of Education President Harry Miller encouraged students to pursue excellence, achieve greatness and reach for the stars.
   ”Don’t be satisfied with just getting by,” he said.
   ”You are capable of more than you know,” he added. “Aim high and live honorably. Persist. The world needs all of you and all you can give.”
   Two seniors, Kathryn Solinski and Kennard Taylor, gave honors speeches during the ceremony before the conferring of diplomas by Principal Mosley and the presentation of diplomas by Assistant Principal Sara Brogan.
   Student Government Vice President Taylor Leonardo led the turning of the tassel. The ceremony ended with “Down the Road” presented by Natalie Sleeth and Chris Brooks, Brianna Foote and Sarah Stanley leading the class of 2014 in the singing of the school’s alma mater.
   Before the recessional the new graduates sang, “Our New Egypt High School, so noble and so true. To our alma mater, we’ll be loyal through and through. Forever we’ll keep all the memories alive. Our thanks for everything to the blue and gold New Egypt High.”