Woody Gap High School Graduation 2007
Nine seniors say goodbye
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Will Barton gestures during a speech.

The expression "on cloud nine" took on an entirely different meaning at Woody Gap High School over the weekend, as the 2007 graduation ceremonies honored the school's nine seniors.

Valedictorian Kali Thomas said that if there was one word to describe the Class of 2007, it would be "friends." Thomas continued, "The meaning of a friend is someone who one knows, trusts, supports, and sympathizes with." In addition to the friendships she made, Thomas also recognized the teachers for everything they had done for their students. "Here at Woody Gap School the teachers are helpful and motivational," Thomas said, explaining that they treat all of the students equally. Thomas also delivered a very emotional thank you to her mother for all of her love and support. As the class parts ways with each other, their teachers, and parents, Thomas said that the school will always be part of them all. "No matter how far we the Class of 2007 go, or how high we climb the mountain, memories and friendships made at Woody Gap School will always be a special part of our lives," Thomas said. "God bless each one of you."

Kayce Young and Will Pruitt take part in the candlelight ceremony.

Salutatorian Kelly Davis described the event as the closing of one chapter of their lives, signaling a time to look toward the future. "Ah, Woody Gap. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, but through it all our class has endured hardships, overcome fears, achieved the unexpected and developed bonds that will last a lifetime," Davis said. "As we now take our first few steps into the future, either to vocational school, college, or the workplace, we are all experiencing the final transition from youth to adulthood. With this change before us it tends to overshadow the large changes we have undergone in the past 14 years." She told the audience that four of the nine seniors began the journey through the school in 1994. "Like today we were excited and scared. We knew there was a big world that awaited us. Since then our lives have changed. Friends, classmates, and teachers have come and gone. But no matter how much time goes by or how many memories are made, still nestled in those walls will be the same small school that had such a huge impact in our lives."

Paula Jernigan listens as she is presented with a scholarship.

Kayla Parks introduced Union Sentinel columnist Ronda Rich, the guest speaker at the event.

"It is so good to be here in the land of my forebearers," stated Rich, an 11th generation Georgian whose ties to the area go back to her great great grandfather.

An accomplished author, her works include best sellers such as My Life in the Pits and What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should). She began her career as a sports writer, as the first woman to cover SEC football, and the first woman to win Associated Press Sports Writing honors, the first woman to be in the Chicago Cubs locker room. Rich also covered NASCAR during her career, and became friends with many drivers and their wives.

Rich told the graduates that their education is "just beginning today," with many important lessons still to come. She recalled the story of her encounter with Barbara Walters, which provided one of the most memorable lessons in her life.

Sentinel photos/Jared Putnam The seniors walk to the front for the candlelight service.

After publishing her book What Southern Women Know, Rich was invited to New York to do an interview. But things did not turn out as planned. "Graduates, you will have some bad days at work, but I don't know that any will compare to sitting next to a live barracuda about to go live in front of 10 million people and her pulling the rug out from under you," Rich said. "Immediately I realized what you will some day realize, that sometimes to win, you just have to be nice, no matter how mean someone else is to you."

Rich said that the meaner that her interviewer became, the sweeter she became, and that no matter what was said, Rich only laughed it off. As uncomfortable as the exchange may have been at the time, it paid off for Rich the next week when her book went on the best seller list. "Kindness and laughter always pays off," Rich told the graduates.

Ronda Rich.

She also shared what she described as her favorite lesson.

"If you ever find yourself with your back against the wall, when it seems the odds are against you and you cannot win, when science says it is impossible, I hope you will remember this lesson I bring to you tonight," Rich said.

Rich recalled the story of how Darrel Waltrip won the Daytona 500 in 1989 for the first and only time. According to Rich, Waltrip achieved victory by stretching his remaining fuel much farther than science said it should have been able to last. The words she remembered most from that day are "don't give up."

"That day I learned one of the greatest lessons of my life," Rich said. "I learned, you don't always have to be the best to win. You don't always have to be the brightest, the smartest, or the most talented. Sometimes to win, graduates, all you have to do is be willing to take a chance. Step out of the box of the comfort and security you love so much and just go for it. Sometimes to win, all you have to do, is don't give up."

Rich also described the qualities of the upstanding people from the area,asking the graduates to remember the kind of people they came from and saying, "It is a good place you come from, this Suches, Georgia."

David Barton presents an award.

Following her speech Dr. Ray Ashurst presented scholarships before Superintendent Tommy Stephens handed out diplomas. Students honored their parents and aired a video presentation of their lives. Principal Jinjer Taylor closed the ceremony following the candlelight service and a musical dedication from Kyle and Lindsey Squire.