Following words of wisdom from their principal, Mike Sorenson, and their top two graduates, Sunni Ruffin and Jack Heard, the Mineola High School Class of 2022 added 112 names to the list of Yellowjacket alumni in a ceremony Friday at the high school gym, with the basketball scoreboard clock frozen at 20:22.

Senior Ava Johnson offered the opening prayer, with thanks for having a safe place to learn. Three graduates heading to military careers received special recognition, Alexeea Davis, Raquel Hughes and Leo Secour.

Sorenson gazed out at the orange-clad throng and said, “I like what I see.”

He recognized the many who’ve assisted the grads along the way, from 13 years worth of school staff to the varied community members – employers, Little League coaches, dance teachers, Sunday school teachers, pastors and more.

“They have been painting brush strokes on the canvas of your lives, leaving a small part of each and every one of them,” he said.

So what words can he leave?

“Yes sir, no sir, yes ma’m, no ma’m, please and thank you, these are words and phrases that are understood and respected,” he said.

He said this class represents the smartest generation ever, with more experiences and opportunities. The work force needs their skills and abilities desperately.

So he advised the grads to show up, every day, on time, bring a strong work ethic and be of strong character. Be an intentional listener. And he concluded with advising the grads to make time to come home.

Salutatorian Jack Heard started with a list of thanks from principals and teachers to parents and family.

He noted the numerous opportunities presented at a small school.

“I have been able to be on four different high school sports teams, three different FFA teams, play cymbals in the band at state (I was in eighth grade and I am sure many band people are not too fond of me claiming this but I clashed those cymbals so it counts), I was able to be part of the Junior Historians and NHS. I say this not at all to brag, but to commend our community and school for providing this many organizations and opportunities.

“The thing about these clubs and teams is that when I look back I remember the people. Each and every team was made of a different group of people with different interests and different goals. And each and every one of those people along the way has had an influence in my life.”

Valedictorian Sunni Ruffin offered similar thank yous for those who helped along the way, taking special time to offer those words to her Dad, Mom, brother and grandparents.

“As many of you know, persevering through hardships is something I had to learn about last year the hard way when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” she said. “Being in the ICU, surrounded by doctors in white coats and beeping machines…I was scared. But that’s where you, my fellow students, parents, teachers, friends, administrators, that’s where this community comes in. Like Jack Levi said before me, this community is something truly special. You prayed for me, encouraged me, and reminded me of God’s great love and care for me. You have reminded me that His grace is sufficient, and He is sovereign, even through the difficult times in my life, and for that, I will be forever grateful. 

“But I know that everyone here has faced an unknown, or gone through a difficult trial at some point during their high school years as well. However, Romans 8:28 tell us that, ‘All things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.’ Like my mom likes to say when I’m feeling down or discouraged, ‘You were not saved to be defeated!’ So, whether you are headed off to college, starting a new job, or taking some time off to figure everything out, rest assured that God has handcrafted a perfect plan for your life. One that will not be thwarted because of one bad grade or lunch detention.”

She concluded, noting that among her memories are the smiling faces along the homecoming parade route.

“And I hope that one day soon, we will be the smiling faces for others at the parade, along main street in Mineola, cheering for the ones who will follow in our footsteps, while reflecting on the imprint we leave here today.”