Graduating Chargers urged to never quit
Published 11:30 am Friday, June 10, 2016
After the ceremony, newly graduated Nick G. Dombrowski hugs his best friend, Sam Stewart. Nick said he would be going to Tidewater Community College this fall and majoring in computer science. — Stephen H. Cowles | Tidewater News
ISLE OF WIGHT
William Morningstar, the valedictorian at the Isle of Wight Academy graduation last Friday, had a few things to say to his classmates, starting with the encouragement that they never give up in the pursuit of their goals.
As they go along their way in life, he said, they need to also keep in mind three other points:
• No one’s perfect
• Hard work equals rewards
• You’re never alone
William L. Morningstar gave the valedictory address at the Isle of Wight Academy graduation ceremony. — Stephen H. Cowles | Tidewater News
Morningstar lead by example, telling the story on himself of what was endured in getting an application to West Point Academy. There were times of doubt and depression, but he pushed on and news of the acceptance was his reward.
He concluded with a quote from Emily Dickenson’s poem, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune — without the words, and ever stops at all.”
Del. Rick Morris (R-64), underscored some of the senior’s remarks, pointing out that “capitalism is what makes our country great.” Their individual success, he added, is dependent on their own hard work. But whatever they do, “be driven to follow the path that God has for you.”
Before the presentation of diplomas, Headmaster Benjamin Vaughan and Jack Reynolds presented several scholarships and school awards.
Hunter Baylous, class president, gave particular recognition to the school mascots, Brody Casey and Kennedy Hooper, who were each given trophies of appreciation.
Once the new graduates had filed out of the line, many whooped and hollered as threw their caps into the air.
Isle of Wight Academy seniors of 2016 wait their turn to proceed down the aisle. — Stephen H. Cowles | Tidewater News
Before the commencement began, though, several told of their plans for the summer or higher education.
Elizabeth Pittman of Surry already has two jobs: working at College Run Farms and being a nanny to two children. Rachel Wolfer of Chesapeake will go to Tidewater Community College, and she wants to become a veterinarian’s assistant. Sherelle Rodgers of Suffolk will study psychology at Paul D. Camp Community College.
Austin Loudermilk of Suffolk will study fire science at TCC. Linze Jakobs of Suffolk will go to Longwood University, while Kaitlin Ciaston, also of Suffolk, plans to attend Virginia Tech and study to become a livestock veterinarian. Nicholas Dombrowski said he’ll study computer science at TCC. Ariel Smith gets to go to New York City this summer, and then will attend Bridgewater College.
