PHS grads ready for life’s challenges

Philadelphia High School’s class of 2021 came together for the final time Thursday evening during graduation services which were held at the Neshoba County Coliseum.

Families, teachers, administrators, staff and friends gathered to celebrate the occasion and proudly observed as the class of 2021 marched in while the Philadelphia band students played. Makayla Evans and Adriana Rush sang for their classmates.

Before graduates received their diplomas and became Philadelphia High School alumni, they were reminded of shared memories, the good and the bad, in both the valedictorian’s and salutatorian’s speeches.

Valedictorian Emma Taylor, daughter of Mark and Amy Taylor, said the ups and downs they experienced along the way have helped prepare the class of 2021 for life.

“We made it to our senior year and then the unthinkable happened,” Taylor said. “A once-in-a-generation virus almost prevented us from making it to the finish line. But by this point in our high school careers, we were experts in staring down adversity. When school started last August, we had grown accustomed to our new way of life.”

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop them from moving on, Taylor said.

“This past year, we learned many things, like the importance of hand sanitizer or how to tie the strings of your mask around your ears,” Taylor said. “We learned that change is inevitable. It is not a matter of if but when.  Indeed, the world has changed and we won’t go back, All we can do from here on out is our best. And sometimes the best we can do is start over.

“This is precisely what we are about to do. Our time here is spent. But nothing will take the memories we created over the years. It is hard to forget these last four years. Yesterday is now history and tomorrow a mystery. It’s time to leave and time to find our destiny. And never forget, it is always a great day to be a Tornado.”

Class Salutatorian Mary Ellen Booker, daughter of Melisha Hancock and Thomas Booker, knew to the day how long her tenure at Philadelphia High School lasted.

“One-thoushand-three-hundred-fifty-six days ago, we were freshmen just entering the halls of Philadelphia High School,” Booker said. “We had no idea we would make so many memories over the last few years. Like football Fridays, getting ready to cheer with my best friends. Or all the long practices or stressful assignments, we made a lot of memories that we will carry with us forever.”

Booker discussed life lessons she picked up along the way.

“We have learned lessons like respect, accountability and responsibility,” Booker said. “We have learned a lot and we will carry these lessons throughout our lives.

“Philadelphia High School has had a big effect on my life. It has taught me many lessons and had introduced me to some fascinating people, I am thankful for the many opportunities Philadelphia High has taught me and will continue to strive to be my best self. Class of 2021. Let’s take these memories we made and life lessons we learned over these past 1,363 days and use them to be the best scholars, workers and citizens we can be.”