In an excellently-executed ceremony last Thursday, 42 Alba-Golden seniors walked across the stage at Tyler Junior College Wagstaff Gymnasium and became high school graduates.  

The messages left by the class, through their prayers and remarks, were messages of thanks and encouragement. Salutatorian Cade Stovall recognized that “Alba-Golden is a special place,” and encouraged his classmates to become leaders worthy of respect. 

Samuel Louderman, 2023 valedictorian, furthered that theme by challenging each of the soon-to-graduates to make their mark. He recalled the senior breakfast in August when the class discussed finishing strong together. “We are at the starting line, now, of a new race,” Louderman declared. 

As each person who took the podium did throughout the event, the two honor graduates spoke of remaining attached to home – to Alba-Golden.

Family and friends of the seniors filled the bottom level of the gymnasium and spilled over into the upper deck. The beautifully-renovated gymnasium served as an honorable setting for the graduation.  

In a particularly-notable characteristic of the class of 2023, 42% of the class attained honor graduate status.  As Superintendent Macie Thompson stated, “It makes everything worthwhile.”  

The most widely promulgated message from the class however, came from the cap of graduate Aubrey Galyean. It stated, “With God all things are possible.”