Photo by Ed McCoy
Valedictorian Jack Buchanan urged his classmates to surround themselves with positive friends because they will determine the kind of individual they will become when he spoke during Lord Botetourt High School’s 59th commencement Monday evening in the Salem Civic Center.
He told the LBHS Class of 2018 that often those with the greatest potential fall because of whom they surround themselves with. “Show me your five closest friends and I’ll show you your future,” he told the 230 members of the class as they prepared to receive their diplomas.
He went on to tell them that no matter how positive those five are, they should also have Jesus Christ as a friend. “I urge you to give Him a try,” he said.
Salutatorian Lara Veldman encouraged her classmates to do the three things she learned to take to heart: Seek the truth whatever it is; don’t be vunarable. “Being seen is our greatest positive power…. Let your true self be seen,” she said.
Her last admonition, “Bring joy to everything in life.”
In her remarks, Class President Jesse Saunders urged seniors to “embrace the opportunities before them.”
School Superintendent John Busher III recognized students who were headed off to college, those who had jobs and careers already and those going into the military (“We thank you,” he told them to a special applause).
Another group were those he asked to stand (some reluctantly) “who aren’t really ready or don’t understand what tomorrow will bring you.” Busher told the crowd these were “a bunch of honest people.”
Busher pulled out his cell phone and told the class that it was “the necessary evil,” and urged them to look up from it. “Your world is who you are. It is not based on this thing,” he told them to applause from many parents.
He told the students to also “look out” for themselves. “Be careful and choose wisely,” he said.
“Look for opportunity…. Build your resume,” he said, adding, “Look for opportunities to serve others.”
He encouraged parents to keep an eye on their students’ phones, and use it as a tool to monitor them. “They’re still young people,” Busher said. “If they have the opportunity for failure or to get into trouble, it will be in the next few months.”
Principal Andy DeWease reminded the audience that the Class of 2018 has been very successful, noting they have been involved in many school and community projects.
Many are graduating with dual enrollment credits, CTE certifications and scholarships; and the students have had success in the arts and athletics, with two girls team state championships and many individual state champions.
