Choctaw Central grads finish well

Choctaw Central grads finish well

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A rainy day caused Choctaw Central’s graduation ceremony to be moved inside from the football field to the school gym, but it did not put a damper on anyone’s spirits as the class of 2021 graduated last the night of May 18.

Sierra Wallace, daughter of Scottie and Millicent Wallace, likened her valedictorian speech to a cross-country race.

“It will be hard but we’ll get through it in the fastest time possible,” said Wallace, who was part of the state championship cross-country team while attending Choctaw Central. “We have been in school from pre-k to 12th grade and this chapter of our lives is finally coming to an end. And I could not be any more proud to walk across this stage.”

Wallace thanked her family, friends and all who supported her during her time at Choctaw Central High School.

“Over the last four years, we have continued to learn who we are, what we should continue to do, and what we will accomplish,” Wallace said. “Do not let the fear of failure deprive you of success. It is my hope my class will strive for more even though we go on different paths. We will always share the great things we had here with our wonderful classmates.”

Class Salutatorian Brannon Jim, son of Landon Jim and Barbarella Isom, talked about how he and his classmates grew up during their time at Choctaw Central.

“When we first arrived, we were perceived, mainly me, as rambunctious,” Jim said. “People inspired us along the way, I obtained humility, honesty and clarity. Today, I still see that members of the class of 2021 are rambunctious but confident and sure of ourselves.”

Jim said he will be going to basic training for the Army in June. He plans to return in the fall and attend Mississippi State University.

“I want to train for the Army as a human resources specialist,” Jim said. “I decided to get myself together and create an opportunity for myself.”

He thanked all who had an influence on him and his classmates. He talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted so many people but it didn’t stop the class of 2021.

“Some people dear to me were lost and it hurts in this game called life,” Jim said. “There were some who thought judgment day had started. I was going to be mad because I didn’t get to graduate and I had come so close. We all came so far.”

And they made it. 

“Congratulations to class of 2021. We did it,” Jim said.

Chief Cyrus Ben urged the class of 2021 to always remember where they came from.

“There will be hurdles,” Ben said. “There may be things come along that we may not always understand. But there is strength in you through God and also as a strong intellectual and blessed member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Tonight, we are proud of you.

“Congratulations to the class of 2021.”






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