Rocket spirits soar for class of 2021

Friday night was a time for celebration as Neshoba Central High School’s class of 2021 graduated before a large crowd of family, friends, teachers, administrators, staff and well-wishers at the Neshoba County Coliseum.

One hour before the program started, the parking lot was overflowing. Cars were parked up and down Mississippi 15 with people trying to get in to see their favorite graduate received his or her diploma.

Class Valedictorian Marlee Thomas, daughter of Michael and Stacey Thomas, reflected on how unusual the last couple of years have been for students because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“This year has been extremely hard,” Thomas said. “There have been so many situations that were out of our control. But somehow we were able to adapt. Our junior year ended suddenly. We were left with a chaotic senior year. However, through it all, we had remained high spirited.”

And with that, Thomas presented the class of 2021 with a Neshoba Central Spirit Stick.

“The class of 2021 has never won the spirit stick,” Thomas said. “Not even in elementary school. But after all we have been through, I think we deserve a little recognition. So, I have here tonight the Neshoba Central spirit stick.”

Her classmates cheered loudly when she presented it to them.

“This spirit stick represents unique, hard work, positivity, courage, perseverance, creativity, ambition and of course spirit, Thomas said. “I believe our class embodies these characteristics during our time at Neshoba Central. So, I want to formally present the class of 2021 with a Neshoba Central Spirit Stick for being the greatest, strongest and most outstanding students and for being the first class to make it all our years in the new school building.

“We have gone from being little scared freshmen trying to find our classrooms to well-respected seniors graduating from high school. We did it.”

Salutatorian Mary Kate Moran, daughter of Brett and Emily Moran, talked about the changes she and her classmates witnessed during their high school years.

“We survived high school,” Moran said. “Our senior year has not been normal.”

Moran talked about her thoughts while taking her senior walk through the halls. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school ran on a hybrid schedule for the first part of the school year, she said. Students had in-person classes a couple of days a week and virtual classes on other days.

Moran talked about things she enjoyed during her senior year, like attending football games.

“We got to see Neshoba Central play football in the best high school stadium at Rocket field,” Moran said. “One of my personal favorite experiences is the unmatched atmosphere in Rocket stadium and following one of the best football teams in Neshoba Central history.”

There was also the opening of the new cafeteria.

“We got a new cafeteria and it is great. You don’t have to walk a mile to eat lunch anymore,” Moran said. “All of these experiences have led to this moment today.

“It is now our time to start a new chapter in our lives. Class of 2021, our futures are bright and we will all gone down our different paths of life. Future doctors, lawyers, nurses, farmers, educators, athletes, servicemen servicewomen and more sit before us today. We have worked over 12 years for this moment. All of us should be proud of ourselves for the hard work and perseverance that we put forth to get here.”