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With a backup plan in place, inclement weather forced the 2023 Huntland graduation inside the campus’ gymnasium where the high school’s 56 seniors were graduated on Thursday.

The audience packed the gym with only standing room available.

The procession of graduates was set to “Pomp and Circumstance” as students took their seats. The opening prayer was led by Lucy K. Johnson and the Pledge of Allegiance by DeAnna M. Burton.

Welcoming introductions were given by Hattie Johnson who announced some distinguished guests in the audience.

Principal Lisa Crabtree then addressed the audience and introduced the salutatorian, Thadeo Martinez, and valedictorian, Ashtyn Danley.

   Martinez stepped up to the podium first to give his speech. He joked at how this honor of being class salutatorian would give him bragging rights against his siblings, but he quickly turned sincere when speaking about the memories he has created with his peers.

“I can safely say that most of us are destined to do great and amazing things,” Martinez said.

He went on to talk about being the son of migrant workers and raised by American ideals.

“I have come to the imminent conclusion that there should be no reason to doubt ourselves nor to make excuses that only obstruct our path to succeed,” Martinez said. “It does not matter where we come from or who we are. In this bright country, the opportunities are within our hands.”

At one point during his speech, Martinez was overcome with emotion to which his peers encouraged him with applause as did Crabtree by walking up to place her hand on his back.

He concluded his speech by saying, “Overall, I have to say it has been an honor and privilege to graduate with such a class stamped with virtuous destiny and to make sure to know that in this cruel world, God always provides.”

Danley approached the podium to meet Martinez. She announced to the spectators that they would be taking a selfie with their graduating class in the background, and then she told an inside joke to one of her teachers, setting the tone for a happy occasion.

Danley began by thanking the teachers, parents and the entire Huntland staff who made the class’s four years of high school “all that they were.”

“None of the things we did would be possible without the help and support of each and every person sitting here today,” she carefully added. “From this point on, our lives are about to change, and a new chapter is about to begin, and it starts as soon as we walk out of here tonight

“But always remember that you have the pencil to write your own story, and it is your decision on how you choose to write it.”

She continued to reach out to her fellow graduates with words of inspiration when they face difficult situations in life.

“I stand before you to encourage you to meet every challenge that comes your way, to knock down any wall that tries to keep you from your goals and to never look back once you are through,” Danley said. “I wish for success for all of you, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.”

She wrapped up her speech with a quote from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The presentation of diplomas was conducted by Crabtree, Cindy Stovall and Sarah Beth Spray.

A closing prayer was led by Elizabeth Johnson followed by Crabtree asking graduates to move their tassels, after which the graduates cheerfully tossed their caps in celebration.