BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Bradford High School Valedictorian Carolyn Adams shared scripture in encouraging her fellow Class of 2025 members to not be afraid of the future during her speech at the May 23 commencement at David Hurse Stadium.
Adams brought up the “big question” for her and her classmates: “What’s next?”
“If there is one thing that I want you all to do after tonight, it’s going to be letting go of fear,” Adams said. “I was actually told a Bible verse that relates to this very well, and I wanted to include it in my speech. Joshua 1:9 says, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’”
Adams said the same verse happened to also be referenced during baccalaureate — after she had decided to include it in her speech.
“Whether this was a coincidence or not, there is no doubt that tonight you are meant to walk away from this field sure of yourself and knowing there is nothing to be afraid of.
“So, talk to that person you always wanted to reach out to. Go to that college you’ve been anxious to apply for. Take that job opportunity when it is given to you.
“No matter if you are accepted or rejected, you’re going to be just fine. Let go of the stress about the future and realize you will find yourself where you were meant to be.”
Adams also took the time reflecting on each year at BHS. She said as incoming freshmen, she and her classmates were either glad to be leaving middle school behind or “terrified” to be going to high school.
You learn a lot about yourself freshman year,” Adams said. “Everything feels new because it is new. A lot of things were happening for the first time for many of us. During those moments, you find out who your true friends are, and you’re starting to figure out who you’re going to be as a person.”
The year included the first involvement in homecoming activities, which saw the class win the parade float competition and place second in the Tornado Whirl skit competition, and the experience of “many great things,” like the boys basketball team winning a state championship.
“At this time, we really were just soaking in life,” Adams said. “We truly had no idea how quickly this time would pass by.”
In talking about sophomore year, Adams said she and her classmates had gained confidence in themselves, adding, “Most of us were starting to learn how to drive, and freedom was starting to feel real good.”
She also described the year as “messy,” referencing homecoming in which the class didn’t do as well in the float and skit competitions.
“Honestly, we were all probably just trying to get through the 10th grade,” Adams said.
Adams said during junior year, she and her classmates were preoccupied with thoughts of being seniors the following year, deciding upon careers and preparing for the future.
“Life was starting to get serious,” Adams said. “Still, we were able to have fun.”
The valedictorian admitted she couldn’t recall much about her junior year, but did say, “Some of my favorite memories of friends happened my junior year. Whether it was talking to each other too much in class or going to Walmart because there was nowhere else to go.”
Adams said senior year included thoughts of participating in events for the last time.
“Our last homecoming week ever, we finally won skit, and we won in float, too,” she said. “After Tornado Whirl, our parents held up our pictures high and walked on the field for us, while everyone watching cried.”
Things quieted down for a while for the seniors before “everything happened so fast” after spring break, Adams said, adding, “It was like the countdown to graduation day finally began.”
In closing, Adams said, “Now, let’s savor this moment and celebrate what we’ve accomplished. We did it, Class of 2025. We are graduating. We really made some great memories together these last four years.
“You all should be so extremely proud of yourselves. I know that I am.”
