Nearly 500 BHS graduates end the ‘wild ride’
Siblings Taylor Waak and Macy Waak hold their diplomas minutes after walking across the stage at Bearden High School’s Commencement exercises, which took place in Thompson-Boling Arena Friday night, May 17.
“Tonight, we celebrate as these young men and women conclude a similar chapter in their lives,” BHS principal Jason Myers said. “We’re here to celebrate the bright futures that the will begin building in the weeks and months ahead.”
The ceremony was a time to acknowledge students’ successes, such as Tytiaira Spikes — who did not missed a day of school dating back to kindergarten — those who competed and those heading into the military.
It was a time to acknowledge retiring teachers and staff: Jennifer Allen, Jane Coggins, Rhonda Sternfels, Jack Tate, Scotta Ward and Catherine Wood.
Bearden Alumni of the Year Award was presented to Knoxville attorney Dr. Reuben “Buddy” Pelot IV with Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis.
Pelot served as vice president of BHS Foundation Board from the beginning of 2009 into 2017, and as grant committee chairman for most of that time. For the last two years he has served as BHS Foundation president, helping to raise school funds. He also has served on Knoxville Greenways Commission and numerous other community groups.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts,” BHS senior class president Tyler Archuleta said, quoting the late Sir Winston Churchill, United Kingdom’s prime minister from 1940 to 1945.
“This quote by Winston Church-ill encapsules our thoughts and the courage we’ve shown to push through adversity, to become a resounding successful class in both academics and extracurricular activities,” he added.
Myers, who is in his first year as BHS principal, said Churchill’s quote has become a mantra for those who choose to persist.
He urged graduates to embrace the wisdom of the quote.
“You will, undoubtedly, experience success; but just as Churchill said, you will find that it is not final or enduring,” Myers said, then challenged them to persist through life’s challenges.
“We’ve had a wild ride of constantly changing schedules, up-and-down sports seasons and more sick days than snow days,” Archuleta said. “That’s not to mention the change in superintendents and the change in leadership of our school.
“We’ve weathered those changes well,” he added. “Most of all, we’ve left a legacy.”
As part of its legacy, BHS’s Senior Committee came up with a “senior gift” to the school.
“After much discussion, it became clear to us that cleaning and renovating the outdoor patio was a top priority for Bearden, and (it) was chosen as this year’s senior gift,” Senior Committee president Preston Ruth said.
Students held fundraisers and raised $6,000, which was turned over to the school.
“We cannot wait to see the impact that this updated space will have on Bearden,” Ruth said.
In quoting Michael Josephson, founder of Josephson Institute of Ethics, Ruth advised his class to “Take pride in how far you’ve come, have faith in how far you can go, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”
Likewise, BHS’s valedictorian Dane Morgan and salutatorians Patrick Hayden Harb and Parker Kent shared reflections and advice.
“It’s been a long journey over the course of these four years for all of you,” Morgan said.
He also urged classmates to have diversity of thought.
“Without diversity of thought, we tend to fall victim to a tendency to judge and resent others,” Morgan said.
On another note, Harb, who also served as this year’s SGA president, said, “We all have to find some passion.
“Do what is right (even) when no one is watching,” Kent said and challenged classmates to be responsible for their own actions.
“I implore you to consider your future and take responsibility for yourself… plunge into the future with honesty and integrity,” he said.
