BY DAN HILDEBRAN
One hundred sixty-four Union County High School seniors walked onto Marvin H. Pritchett Field on Friday, May 16, to receive their diplomas in front of a packed crowd.
The school’s symphonic band played the processional, led by Kelly Dorsey. Senior Class Treasurer Amelia Newsom led the opening prayer, and Senior Class Secretary Ava Walker led the pledge to the flag.
Senior Class President Braden Adams welcomed the standing-room-only crowd, acknowledging the many individuals who had helped the soon-to-be graduates.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of our families and past and present staff members who have supported us during our time at UCHS,” he said. “I speak for the entire student class when I say thank you for being here to celebrate this momentous occasion, and we appreciate all that you have done for us.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Senior Class Vice President Joseph Harris led the crowd in the school’s Alma Mater, SaraBeth Vaughn and Erin Waters introduced the graduates, and Superintendent of Schools Mike Ripplinger officially proclaimed the departing seniors as graduates of Union County High School.
Midway through the ceremony, Principal Julie Denson recognized outstanding honors, high honors, and honors graduates before turning the podium over to salutatorian Kaylie Hendricks.
Salutatorian: Live in the moment
Hendricks exhorted her classmates to live in the moment, rather than constantly thinking about their next steps in life.
“I remember in first grade thinking ahead to what it would be like to be in fourth grade when I could have the opportunity to be on the safety patrol,” Hendricks recalled. “Then I wanted to get to middle school. Next, sophomore year, with a driver’s license, and finally, senior year. And thinking back to this memory, I realized how much of my time I wished away, looking forward to the future.”
Hendricks added that being excited about the future is good. However, she advised, each person should “take a break every now and then and live in the moment.”
Food science teacher taught life lessons
Valedictorian Aubrie Muse lauded her classmates for their accomplishments.
“The class of 2025 has a lot to be proud of.,” she said, “from winning homecoming skits and floats, excelling in all sports, dominating FFA competition. Our band always receiving superior ratings. The hard work of our JROTC and being (Suwannee Middle Athletic Conference) champions in middle school.”
Muse said her class set the standard for how involved and achievement-oriented a class could be. She also asked her classmates to return the kindness they received throughout their educations in Union County.
The valedictorian then focused on one person whom she said impacted many of the graduates seated on the field in front of her.
“That person is Mr. Williams, or as we all know him as Bub,” she said. “I’m sure most people don’t sign up for food science expecting to be taught many valuable lessons, work ethic, and how to help you figure out what you want to do with your future. But there are three words Bub has said since the first day of his class that have stuck with me throughout high school.”
Muse than repeated teacher Tom Williams’s three-word exhortation to his students: “Know Your Why.”
“As each of us moves up into the next chapter of our lives,” Muse continued, “I hope that in each step you will always take the time to know your why.”
Muse also asked her classmates to not only cherish the good times of high school but also to value the struggles.
“If you’re anything like me,” she said, “those struggles were not always seen by others. But God sometimes gives us trials to help us learn and grow into the people we are today. I believe that overcoming my struggles has truly helped shape me into the person I am today.”
The Class of 2025’s top grade earner entered the home stretch of her talk by thanking her parents.
“To my mom and dad,” she said. “Thank you for everything you have done for me. From the extreme highs to the extreme lows, you have always been there for me and taught me to always persevere and to give my all in everything that I do. Because of you, I’ve stayed determined and have never lost sight of my dreams and goals.”
Muse concluded by encouraging her classmates to cherish the memories of high school, value the lifelong friendships made there, and remember the class motto.
“Always remember,” she said, “Class of 25, the best alive.”
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