Mayflower seniors 'finally make it'

Cheers spread across a sea of purple in the Farris Center after salutatorian Clint Webb told his fellow graduates, "We finally made it."

Mayflower High School graduated its class of 2009 at the University of Central Arkansas on Tuesday, and Webb took the group on a sentimental journey in his address.

Mayflower High School senior Ashlie Knowles gets a hug from family friend Tina Cagle before her graduation ceremony at the University of Central Arkansas Farris Center on Tuesday. Cagle's son, Tyler, also graduated. LIBERTY PARKS PHOTO

He brought them back to the elementary playground and reminisced about their first day of school fears. Then he talked about graduation the day they have been dreaming of for the past 13 years.

"Today we have a fresh, new beginning and we can choose right now to take the path of success," Webb said. "Tonight is the night to change our lives."

Webb told his classmates that after walking across the stage and receiving a diploma, their real lives would begin.

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"Now it's all about determination, perseverance and the strive to make something out of yourselves," Webb said. "But first, take a moment, look around and cherish it because it's the last time you'll all be together."

Before straightening her mortarboard and lining up with her classmates, graduate Ramie Harrison said the worst part of the ceremony was knowing it will be the last time she sees many familiar faces.

"It's exciting, but it is just a little scary," Harrison said. "We've known all these people for so long and knowing that we'll be away from one another is sad."

However, Harrison, who plans to attend the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, said she will reflect on the good times in high school.

"Sure, there are bad points in high school, but overall Mayflower was a great experience and I will always remember the awesome things that happened," Harrison said.

Graduate Jennifer Grady said she sees her high school graduation as "bittersweet, but mostly sweet."

"Even though it's a little scary, we are going to be in the real world and be independent now and I'm ready for it," Grady said.

Grady said she plans to attend UCA in the fall and major in physical therapy.

Monica Runge was chosen as valedictorian for Mayflower's class of 2009, and before she took the stage to address the students, parents and faculty gathered, she said she was a bit nervous.

"I'm going through a lot of mixed feelings, I'm excited, I'm sad and I'm kind of nervous," Runge said. "It's going to be different not seeing my classmates anymore but I'm so proud and happy that we succeeded our goals of being here today."

Looking back over the past four years, Runge said she is thankful for everything she learned at Mayflower High School, both in and out of the classroom.

"I had a really good experience here because it was really helpful learning how to study, how to interact with friends and how to balance the two," Runge said. "I will definitely miss it."

In her valedictorian speech, Runge, who plans to study biology at UCA, focused on success. She told her peers no one will remember their failures, but they must build on those failures to reach their successes.

"Success is a journey, not a destination," Runge said. "You have to continuously move forward to be successful. You have to work hard, stay focused and try your best."

(Staff writer Jessica Bauer can be reached by e-mail at jessica.bauer@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1236. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)