East grads encouraged to step up and take charge of the future

Columbus East High School graduates were encouraged to step up and take charge of their futures while not forgetting to help each other succeed.

East’s Class of 2018 closed out a four-year high school journey Saturday afternoon as 351 students received diplomas while being cheered on by hundreds of family and friends gathered in the high school gymnasium.

Addressing the class, Principal Mark Newell reminded the students that they have invested the hard work, time and energy with the support of their families, friends and teachers to get where they are.

“Soon, you will close the chapter on your high school story, but at the same time, a blank sheet of paper awaits you, ready for your uniqueness and individuality, your hope and dreams, that will represent the next chapter in your success story,” Newell said.

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Newell also asked the graduates to think about their character, noting that a strong character will serve them well on their journey of life. He asked them to build and protect that character and to treat everyone with a tone of decency and trust.

“There will be many ups and downs in your life story, but a strong character will serve as a fundamental foundation for your success,” he said.

In the midst of the celebration, the Class of 2018 and East staff honored students who died while attending high school, who would have graduated on Saturday. Their diplomas were accepted by members of their families.

Valedictorian Elizabeth Frazier told her classmates that each of them have had their own challenges, setbacks and successes. But none of those collective stories are more compelling than another, she said.

She encouraged her fellow classmates to take hold of their futures with both hands.

“Step up, take charge, we must help one another,” Frazier said. “We must find what makes us happy and pursue that happiness passionately.”

Frazier also reminded her fellow graduates that finding happiness and success is up to them.

“As we leave here on different paths, let us travel with purpose, to continue to seek out experiences by appreciating the journey more than the prize,” she said.

Salutatorian Mary Aliza Presto reflected on the memories that the Class of 2018 has made during the past four years, describing her classmates as being like a family.

“A family with goals, a family that strives to do better and a family that wants each other to be successful,” Presto said of the Class of 2018.

And while the classmates shouldn’t forget the memories and the friends they have made at East, Presto said the graduates need to live in the present.

“Keep your goals high and make new memories to tell all your friends back home,” she said.

Graduating senior Delaney Jackson was among the hundreds of graduates who gathered outside East following the commencement ceremony.

Jackson, who plans to study theater at Belmont University this fall, said it was an awesome feeling walking across the stage and had some advice for her fellow classmates. She asked them not to dwell on the moment.

“Be excited for what’s to come,” Jackson said with a smile.

Fellow graduate Ryleigh Rayburn said it was nice to end her high school career with the same individuals she started with four years ago. She is planning to attend the University of Tennessee this fall to study nursing, she said.

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Number of graduates: 351

Valedictorian: Elizabeth Frazier

Salutatorian: Mary Aliza Presto

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