By Rylee Kirk
GUYTON — Perseverance was the theme of the valedictory address at Friday’s sweltering South Effingham High School commencement ceremony for 356 graduates.
“As we all progress through life, we’ll continue to face challenges and disappointments,” Valedictorian Andrew Ji said, “but we are Mustangs and Mustangs never give up.”
Ji reminisced about happenings during his classmates’ lives, including the 2012 “apocalypse” and the Silly Bandz craze. He expressed appreciation for his peers, too.
“I’d also like to thank you, class of 2019, for being the best class ever,” he said.
Ji used a quote from a famous TV show in his speech.
“I know that ‘The Office’ quotes don’t count for personality traits but Andy Bernard’s ‘I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you left them’ should be an exception,” Ji said.
Salutatorian Olivia Bowser told the crowd that her speech was irrelevant.
“What I’d say today or what I do today does not matter because today is not about my speech but about your accomplishments,” she said. “You will not walk away from today with my words in your ears but a diploma in your hands,.”
Bowser also stressed that graduation was not the end for their class.
“While we all may be going separate ways, we will always be tied to our alma mater as the graduating class of 2019,” she said. “But goodbyes are sad so let us instead say hello to a new future and a new adventure.”
Dr. Randy Shearouse, superintendent of Effingham County schools, created a metaphor for life out of the game of baseball.
“Every new opportunity is an at-bat. Sometimes opportunity results in a base hit or a home run. And yes, sometimes you’ll strike out,” Shearouse said.
Shearouse quoted Babe Ruth, reminding the students, “Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
He also reminded the graduates to be flexible.
“The game of baseball can take a turn with each new play and players have to be ready to adjust to the change,” he explained.
The superintendent closed with advice for the new South Effingham alumni.
“I just want to encourage you to play your part in the game,” he said. “Whatever position it may be, know your strengths, welcome your mistakes as learning opportunities and play the position that allows you to shine.”
