Philadelphia High Class of ’22 graduates
Friends and families of Philadelphia High School’s class of 2022 gathered to celebrate graduation services Thursday at the Neshoba County Coliseum.
Prior to the awarding of diplomas, Trey Posey, the class Valedictorian, and Kameron Tucker, the class Salutatorian, addressed their classmates on this special day.
“As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” Posey said. “By being true to our best selves, we can blaze a path for future generations in which all people are valued and each individual has confidence in his abilities to succeed. Let us leave our own trail for others to follow.”
Posey urged his classmates to strive to become their best selves.
“I could reminisce about the last four years of high school, but focusing on the past does nothing to create the energy needed to move forward,” Posey said. “We need to acknowledge and learn from the past, but not get stuck there.
“This frees us to create an environment of growth for ourselves and others without all of the drama and distraction created by tearing down others. We must be tomorrow’s positive image. Our actions must make a statement and send a clear message — one that says wherever we come from, whatever we have or don’t have, whatever our color, sex, or cultural background, we can be partners in success and achieve greatness together.”
When considering what he was say in his speech, Tucker said at first he was staring at a blank page. Then he spoke from his heart.
“I’ve spent my entire high school career being modest, never once growing overconfident and cocky, despite the many awards and recognitions I have received,” Tucker said. “I owe this attitude of reserve to my family, especially my mother. My family has been my greatest support system and I appreciate them for everything they’ve taught me, and throughout my entire life my mother spoke greatness into me; she was and still is my biggest inspiration in everything I do.
“Even now, as I stand here speaking to you all, I can feel her presence cheering me on. My mother’s lesson of humility is a key to success. Humility is defined as freedom from arrogance and the state of being humble. The practice of humility gives us a space to learn and grow.
“Graduates, it’s important for you to remember that going forward you will make mistakes but that isn’t a sign to give up. Perseverance is an important mindset that we all must remember. Throughout all the mistakes we make, it’s important for us to stay strong and keep fighting. Making these mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. If we take these opportunities to learn, the possibilities will be endless.”
“As we walk out of this coliseum with our heads held high, I want you all to remember one thing,” Tucker said. “In the words of Kendrick Lamar, ‘Sit down. Be humble.’”