Columbus East High School salutatorian Jenna Abraham challenged members of the Class of 2019 to run a marathon, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the “Seven Wonders of the World” and skydive.
“To me, a bucket list is more a list of hope,” Abraham told her fellow graduates on Saturday morning during the school’s commencement ceremony. “It keeps one’s mind on the forward path of attainment. I want to stand up confidently filled with joy at what I’ve accomplished, and I want the same for you.”
The gymnasium at Columbus East was filled with parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and friends who beamed with pride as 374 seniors crossed the stage and received their diplomas.
Principal Mark Newell called the 46th annual commencement ceremony both a celebration for the graduates and a celebration for the community who supported the students throughout their education.
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“We are here for you,” Newell said.
In preparation for her speech, valedictorian Maggie Buffo said she tried to find one quote to capture who this year’s graduates are, but determined the class was too complex to capture in one quote.
Instead, she brainstormed three lessons she wanted to leave her classmates with as they part ways with their school colors and venture ahead to a bright future.
“There’s something to love about every single person … be brave … laugh often and never take life too seriously,” Buffo said. “We are all about to go in new and uncertain directions, and although we do not yet know what our futures hold, we have the ability to create light in anything we do.”
Families waited for the graduates outside the school with flowers and cameras in hand.
Senior Jaylynn Johnson’s father and uncle sported homemade T-shirts that displayed their pride. Nicholas Johnson, Jaylynn’s father, wore a shirt that read, “Proud dad with a thing 2 say! Jaylynn, it’s time 2 move out.”
“She’s been through so much and persevered,” Nicholas Johnson said. “I couldn’t be a prouder dad.”
Seniors Molly Newton, McKenna Major and Taylor Gaskill said the emotions haven’t set in.
“It’s a little sad to leave behind what we all know and are used to, but it’s definitely exciting at the same time to go out into the world and experience new things,” Major said.
Gaskill said the day seemed surreal, but she can’t wait to see where her classmates go in the future.
Before they switched their tassels to the left side of their caps, the graduates were left with a final piece of advice from Abraham. As they tackle new heights, she told them to spread their wings when the time is right.
“It’s time to decide who you’re going to be and what you’re going to do,” Abraham said. “Go out and achieve what you have always wanted, but don’t be afraid to rest a little while. I encourage you to keep that list in mind as you take this diploma and set out on the next bucket list adventure.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About the class” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Number of graduates: 374
Valedictorian: Maggie Buffo
Salutatorian: Jenna Abraham
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