The tassle was worth the hassle

A senior year that presented challenges like none before came to an end last week as 243 graduates walked across the stage at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater Thursday night to receive their diplomas from Ohio County High School.

It was a moment of celebration that many worried would never happen in a year that began with remote learning, hybrid schedules, social distancing and restricted gatherings.

“2021 graduates, it is finally here. I hope none of you doubted our commitment we made to you and your class that we would do everything we could to give you as normal a senior year as possible,” said OCHS Principal Robby Asberry. “Now graduates take a second, look around and take this in. I hope after everything that you have been through with this senior year you can appreciate the significance of tonight’s ceremony.”

In her speech, co-salutatorian Emily Sisk spoke about the obstacles the class had to overcome in order to make it to graduation.

“If no one has told you yet, I am proud of you. You overcame more loss as a high school student than some experience during a lifetime,” she said.

The three words she used to describe the Class of 2021 were persevering, opportunistic and fearless.

“We endured a global pandemic, dreadful NTI packets, endless political turmoil and the disheartening loss of friends and family, however ... we persevered,” Sisk said. “We made the most of every moment and we were determined to create these lifelong memories.”

Co-salutatorian Zeke Rafferty spoke about change, perspective and the importance of asking questions.

“I’m not going to stop asking questions and I don’t think any of you should either,” he said.

OCHS 2021 Valedictorian Kinsey Embry spoke on finding one’s adventure.

“It is time that we no longer wait for something better to come and embrace what we have been given. No, you cannot make lemonade if you have not been given lemons. But, if you are given a pencil, write a story. If you are given a voice speak your passion. If you are given a light don’t put it under a basket and if you are given an ear don’t ask for an eye instead,” Embry said.