Alba-Golden celebrates Class of 2021

Posted 5/27/21

The capacity of the Sulphur Springs Civic Center is 1,500 people.  The Alba-Golden community very nearly filled it for the commencement exercises of the Alba-Golden High School class of 2021 Friday.

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Alba-Golden celebrates Class of 2021

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The capacity of the Sulphur Springs Civic Center is 1,500 people.  The Alba-Golden community very nearly filled it for the commencement exercises of the Alba-Golden High School class of 2021 Friday.

In a professionally-executed event which came in at just under 60 minutes, the school produced a quality evening to recognize the graduates. The poise, maturity, humor and confidence of the graduating class were also on full display.

Honor graduate Rylee Wilcoxson offered the invocation, calling for wisdom, faith and discernment as she and her classmates move forward in life.

High School Principal Michael Mize put the class achievement into perspective with some introductory remarks. Describing a class that was spirited, Mize remarked, “After all the challenges, I now must marvel at your resiliency, tenacity and, yes, maturity.”     

In addition to thanking the parents, Mize called out long-time math teacher Walter Ragsdale for special recognition. He noted that Ragsdale had submitted 11 recommendations for people in the community as candidates for the Alba-Golden Hall of Honor. His time and effort in seeking recognition for others and his continued service to Alba-Golden Schools earned Ragsdale selection to the Hall as an inaugural selectee. 

The class then provided a few remembrances of their journey together from kindergarten to high school. Milestone events – such as the tough first grade spelling bee and grand prize bicycle, and the 15-kid brawl on the playground in the fifth grade – were relived.

The memories were just enough to illustrate how close this group of young people had become over the course of their time at Alba-Golden schools.

Salutatorian Cameron Galyean and Valedictorian Isabella Crawford offered poignant thoughts about the occasion. Galyean challenged everyone to “be intentional in everything you do.” He called for wielding passion and integrity in one’s life.

Crawford focused her remarks on the community of Alba-Golden.

“It is a dependable and loving community that nurtures loyalty and reliability,” she expressed. She concluded her address by noting, “No one can put a ceiling on our hearts.”

With the Alba-Golden Board of Trustees seated adjacent to the students, the graduates were certified and presentation of diplomas proceeded. Each graduate approached Superintendent Dr. Cole McClendon who presented the individual diplomas. The newly-minted graduates then approached Mize who moved their tassel from the right to the left side of their cap.

The presentation of senior gifts, one last verse of the Alma Mater led by the graduates, and the benediction by Hannah Wright concluded the ceremony. It was a first-class graduation for a remarkable and memorable group of young people.