BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Members of Bradford High School’s Class of 2024 graduated on May 17, ready to assume their roles of young adults, continuing their education, serving in the military or entering the workforce.
Valedictorian Jack Hendrix said whatever the graduates achieve in life, they will have done so because of the preparation they received at BHS.
“Our lives here at Braford High School have provided the foundation for us to pursue our life goals,” Hendrix said.
Hendrix, who’s already graduated from Santa Fe College with his AA degree and plans to attend the University of Florida to major in Computer Science, opened his commencement speech with a round of thanks.
“I would first like to thank everyone for attending this ceremony to honor the hard work of all the students and staff members here today,” Hendrix said. “I would also like to thank my family members and peers for supporting me throughout my high school career, to help me get to where I am standing right now. I certainly couldn’t have made it this far without them.”
Hendrix told his classmates that while they were congratulating each other, they should also congratulate themselves.
“Graduating high school isn’t an easy achievement. It’s the culmination of years of dedication and effort, and each and every one of you deserves to be recognized for that achievement. Be proud
that you have the ability to say that you are part of the 2024 graduation class of Bradford High School. You’ve earned it.”
The last four years went by quicker than he would’ve imagined, even though people told him it would, Hendrix said. During that whirlwind, he said the education he and his classmates received included more than the subjects that were taught in their classes.
“You didn’t just learn how to find the sides of a triangle or how photosynthesis works,” Hendrix said. “You learned more about yourself. Discovering not only what you want to be, but who you want to be is one of the most important parts of your high school career.
“Your experiences here have and will continue to shape the person you are and will become. Not only have we matured as students, but as people as well. Most of us learned how to apply for a job, how to do interviews, how to handle a bank account and how to drive. I’m still working on parking, though, so watch out.”
Hendrix told his classmates that he hoped they’d “continue to embody the strength and perseverance” they exhibited in high school and encouraged them “to grow and never stop your lifelong endeavor to learn.”
In closing, Hendrix said, “Surround yourselves with those who encourage you to grow as a person, and I guarantee you will go far.”
Salutatorian Adrian Cadle Olvera has completed the certified-nursing course at North Florida Technical College and plans to continue study nursing at Santa Fe College. He said he made memories at BHS, including “long nights of studying for an AP test or, more recently, my dire case of senioritis.”
“Overall, we made it through high school,” Olvera said. “I think that, alone, is great, and you should be proud of it.”
Olvera said next up is “filling out W2 forms, making a resume and worrying about a 401K.” Before that, though, he encouraged his classmates to recognize and show respect to the teachers and staff who helped them discover their life goals.
Teachers, staff, friends and experiences at BHS all “shaped us into who we are now and will be a part of us as who we will be for the rest of our lives,” Olvera said.
In closing, Olvera quoted a line from “Mortal Man,” a song by Kendrick Lamar: “Although the butterfly and the caterpillar are completely different, they are one and the same.”
“I believe all the graduates have the potential to reach the highest distinction in whatever they do,” Olvera said.
The commencement began with seniors Abigail Casey (class secretary) leading the pledge of allegiance, Destiny Lauramore singing the national anthem and Elisabeth Wilsey (class chaplain) providing the opening prayer.
Principal Chris Coffey then delivered his address, saying that the last four years quickly came and went.
“Now, here we are, just a few minutes before you walk across stage and launch yourself into the real world,” Coffey said. “First and foremost, I would like to let you know how proud I am of each and every one of you.”
Coffey talked of being amazed by the students’ resiliency during trying times and, their academic success and by their accomplishments in athletics and extracurricular activities.
“Beyond the academic growth and extracurricular activities, what set you all apart is your undeniable bond and the love that you have for one another,” Coffey said. “I have watched you pick each other up in the midst of personal heartaches and the loss of two of your classmates (Laci Laycock and Nicholas Sapp).”
Coffey said the class demonstrated how special it was during senior year highlights, such as the awards ceremony, baccalaureate and the graduates’ return to the elementary schools they attended for senior walks.
The penultimate event, of course, was graduation.
“As you prepare for this next chapter,” Coffey said, “I urge you to continue exemplifying the BHS pillars: Present, Respect, Responsible, Productive and Safe.
“Understand that there will be challenging days ahead, but the good thing about life is not we are not defined by those challenging days, but how we respond and grow from those times.
“Take time to identify your gifts, abilities and passions and find a career that aligns with those.”
Coffey told the graduates to remember they will have “the belief, love and support from your family, friends and teachers” as they continue their life journey.
He also stressed that they will forever be part of BHS.
“Although you are leaving Bradford High School, you will always be a member of the Tornado family,” Coffey said.
Superintendent of Schools Will Hartley spoke after Coffey, telling the graduates he was honored to share the stage with them during “one of life’s greatest milestones.”
Hartley said during his time as superintendent, he has “truly learned that it takes a community of students, families, teachers and all other school staff for our students to successfully reach this goal of graduation.”
“Parents and other family members, we appreciate your commitment to your child’s education, working with us hand in hand to ensure their success,” Hartley said.
Hartley then asked every school district employee in attendance to stand, saying, “This is the day we’ve all worked for, that we would help our students reach this goal that sets them up for lifelong success. Thank you for everything you do day in and day out for our students.”
In turning his focus to the graduates, Hartley reminded them that everyone goes through hard things in life.
“Embrace the challenges you will face along the way and look at them as opportunities,” Hartley said. “Remember, failure is only a reminder to try and try again. Never allow setbacks to stop you from achieving your goals.”
In closing, Hartley told the graduates, “Constantly seek new opportunities that will allow you to grow into your limitless potential.”
Class President Samuel Williams stepped up to the podium next, sharing an emotional story about how he passed up a chance to see his ailing grandfather on the night of prom, telling himself he would make that visit the following day.
“After a long night of having fun, I went home to get some rest so I could be up in the morning to go see my granddad,” Williams said. “Around 6:30 that morning, my dad woke me up. I asked him, ‘What’s wrong?’ He said, ‘Son, your granddad passed away.’”
Williams said his reason for telling that story was to let everyone know that “as long as we have breath in our lungs, get up and do what you have to do.”
The focus of Williams’ speech then turned to the future. He told his classmates that whatever they do in life, they should do so with purpose and with heart. He said to treat others the way you’d want to be treated and to never give up.
“Remember, you are in control of your life, so make the best of it,” Williams said.
Williams believes he and his classmates will benefit from the experiences they had at BHS.
“This place has prepared us for a new chapter of life,” Williams said.
Executive Board President Luke Stucky acknowledged BHS faculty and staff, saying, “My most heartfelt gratitude goes to our teachers, who have taught us everything we know and helped us get to where we are now. As a teacher’s son, I know how much hard work and dedication each and every teacher puts into their work and how much love they have for their students. The countless hours and planning and preparation don’t go unnoticed.
“At some point in our lives, every one of us has been impacted by one of those teachers, who took the time to teach and care about us.”
Stucky didn’t pass up the opportunity to offer some words of advice to his classmates, starting with telling them to trust God.
“God has big plans for each and every one of us,” Stucky said. “When we experience highs and lows throughout life, remember that it’s all part of His plan and to trust Him in the process.”
His second piece of advice was for his classmates to continue to be there for each other.
“One of my favorite things about this class is that we all care for each other and get along,” Stucky said, adding, “Make sure that never changes.”
Lastly, Stucky told his classmates to never forget their roots.
“I know that many of you are going to go on and do amazing things in your life,” Stucky said, “but remember who you are and know where you come from.”
Class Vice President Kencie Wainwright and senators Chloe Anderson, Emma Mueller and Harley Smith presented the class verse (Timothy 4:12), flower (yellow rose), motto (You’ve seen the best, so look no more; Class of 2024) and song (“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield).
Senior Teagan Bradley shared the remembrance of deceased classmates Laci Laycock and Nicholas Sapp.
“Nicholas loved band and was very talented at playing the saxophone,” Bradley said. “There is no doubt he would’ve been a part of our Scarlet Storm marching band.
“Laci was a sergeant in the sheriff’s Explorers program, where she was pursuing a career in criminal justice.”
Honorary caps and gowns were presented to the families of the deceased students.
