Highland County Public Schools

MONTEREY — Highland High School’s graduation ceremony Saturday was full inspirational messages, with the speakers quoting everyone from rappers to the Bible.

The 2024 class of 10 graduates included one student graduating a year early and one virtual student.

The small class size was recognized by graduate Autumn Warner, who said they became a family. “I can’t help but think of all the memories we’ve made throughout the years,” she said as she introduced salutatorian Gregory Meehan, who moved to the school mid-year.

Meehan thanked Jesus, all those who taught him over the years, and the coaches who impacted his life in and out of games. “You did not just make us better players, you transformed us into the young adults we became,” he said.

Meehan recalled some days when school was nothing but a grind but noted that grit got them through it. “There were days when we were excited to come to school, but there were days when we didn’t even want to get out of bed,” he said. “Grit is the courage to stick with it even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Meehan reminded his fellow graduates to “grit and grind for things that will last forever,” such as the people in their lives. He quoted from I Corinthians and admonished everyone to “grit and grind for that imperishable crown because it is worth everything.

“Remember who you are and where you come from,” Meehan said.

Valedictorian Zalea Good first gave glory to Jesus and focused on the changes of the future.

“We are about to embark on a big change in our lives,” she said, adding that feelings of fear, anxiety, and excitement are normal but should not hold one back. She used the metaphor of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly for the graduates’ next steps. “A butterfly symbolized the acceptance of all phases of life. The caterpillar does not know that it is to become a butterfly, just like we do not know what we will become.”

Good noted that metamorphosis includes times of waiting and questioning. “Trust that even in those times of waiting, there is a purpose,” she said.

She challenged her classmates to embrace the change. “Just like the butterfly cannot return to being a caterpillar, we are not going to return to high school,” she said. “As you take flight, remember to enjoy it.”

She quoted Jeremiah 29:11 and ended with, “Move forward with hope, class of 2024!”

Emma Summers introduced the keynote speaker, Cane Sampson.

“Cane has always been a familiar face for us through our school years,” Summers said. Sampson has taken the yearly school photos of students and coached basketball. “He always knew how to keep a smile on our faces,” she said.

Sampson noted he had written a speech the night before, unlike his annual sports banquet speeches that are off-the-cuff and full of jokes. While he said he still included a few humorous moments, he took the time to plan his words.

“I wanted to send you all off right,” Sampson said. He drew heavily on his coaching experience for his speech. “Life, much like a game, has rules, challenges, and rewards, and it is full of opportunities.”

He said it is important to study the game of life the graduates are beginning to play.

“In a game, understanding the rules is key,” Sampson said. “Once you learn the rules, you can start moving up through levels and challenges. We all start from the basics, and then we grow.

“In life, you have to have a game plan,” he continued, “and be able to adapt and strategize. Collaboration is a key component.” Team up with someone you can call a friend, Sampson suggested, quoting from the television show “Cheers,” which he noted was too old for the graduates, but which their parents could appreciate.

As sports include prizes and medals, life, too, has rewards. “Celebrate those victories, no matter how small,” he said.

Sampson also addressed failure, which is inevitable at some point in every life. “Let it refine your skills and improve your game,” he said. “Every setback is a setup for your comeback.”

Sampson quoted from rapper Eminem and reminded graduates that games and life are meant to be enjoyable. “Seeing life as a game changes the way you play it and see it,” he said, admonishing graduates to never give up. “Find your sweet spot in your game.”

Highland High School principal Tim Good addressed the graduates last. “Today is certainly not an ending but a bright beginning to your future,” he said. “There will be difficult challenges ahead; that is a guarantee.” He quoted Michael Jordan on overcoming obstacles, then moved on to his favorite part, handing out diplomas.

The HHS Class of 2024 includes: Evan James Thurmond Adams, Jazmine Starr Douglas, Madison Grace Eppard, Zalea Grace Good, Gregory Paul Meehan, Connor William Minnigh, Briannah Bell-Lee Marion Moyers, Dakota Leslie-Lee Ritchie, Emma Renae Summers, and Autumn Alexys Warner.