There’s nothing like a graduation ceremony to bring on the waterworks, and that is precisely what happened Saturday afternoon. As another class of seniors imparted on what will be — cliche, I know — their next great adventure, graduates couldn’t help but look back on the last 12, 13, or more years together.
Arriving an hour or more before the ceremony began, seniors flooded the back hall of the high school with a sea of maroon. The atmosphere was charged and there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Those seniors were ready to become graduates.
Not everyone was ready to let them, though. Standing amongst five cap- and gown-bedecked seniors, junior Trey Lenier lamented that he “won’t know what to do” without his senior friends.
Then the time finally came to begin lining up for the procession into the gymnasium. As I walked down the line, I couldn’t help but recall my own high school graduation two years ago — the tingling feeling in my gut, anticipation of things to come and the misery of those impossibly hot polyester gowns.
That same anticipation was evident on the faces of the seniors as they listened to principal Tim Hitzfield’s opening remarks. He reminded them of the people and the experiences that brought them to that milestone in their lives and challenged the students to take chances, daring to live the lives they have imagined.
Salutatorian and valedictorian addresses were much like those giving them — some silly, others confident, all reflective upon what has made their time in the Owen County School System special.
Salutatorian Ian Gunkler will remember his high school days by the friends he has made and the oddities of his favorite teachers.
One of three valedictorians, Kayla Meadows — quoting poet Robert Frost — urged her fellow graduates to “take the road less traveled” for it will surely “make all the difference.”
And as Megan Minch, another valedictorian, presented her address it became clear some tears would fall. More than just a graduating class, Minch called her classmates her family.
Her words touched the hearts of the class of 2006 and as Minch fought back her tears onstage, Sarah York and Amanda Bates struggled to do the same from their seats.
After receiving their diplomas and turning their tassels, Owen County High School’s graduating class of 2006 took one last look at the halls where they have “laughed and cried, lived and loved,” and “created friendships and memories to last a lifetime.”

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