Baccalaureate ceremony honors THS Class of 2024

May 13—THOMASVILLE- Thomasville High School honored their seniors on Sunday afternoon in a baccalaureate ceremony filled with words of wisdom and scripture for all of life's occasions as the students prepare to embark on a new journey.

Welcomed by Senior Class Vice President Anthony Diggs, students were treated to an inspirational reading by Senior NHS Member Ariel Anderson.

Anderson chose a passage from John Cena's speech, "Be A Work in Progress."

"We all have a lot on our minds, especially with what is going on today," she said. "My hope is that some words of encouragement can help us stay motivated and focus on what's truly important: being authentic and open-minded, constantly challenging ourselves to be better, and embracing discomfort, making the most of the opportunities we are presented with and never giving up."

Anderson went on to encourage her classmates to always prove those who take a chance on them right.

"Give your all and seize every opportunity at hand," she said. "Know that you are working for something larger than yourself. Be bold and accountable, because our choices define who we are."

Anderson told her classmates that they will continue to face challenges every day for the rest of their lives, but it is up to them how they will handle them.

"Whenever possible, handle these challenges with logic, kindness, patience, and empathy," she said. "Some will dislike you and others will disagree with you, but over time if you are consistent in sticking with your beliefs, many will learn to respect you."

Anderson reminded the Class of 2024 to always remain authentic and be the person they say they are.

"This sounds easy, but a lot of people project one life, but live another," she said. "Be brave enough to embrace humility, the reward will be your competence. Accept your mistakes, shifting blame will never solve anything."

Finally, Anderson told her classmates to continue surrounding themselves with people who will give open and honest opinions, but never belittle or make people feel less than to build themselves up.

"Life is all about the ride, not the vehicle you arrive in," she concluded.

Following a round of applause, senior Rylee Trulock took to the microphone for a musical selection of "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus.

Lisa Gardner then introduced the speaker of the event, Melissa Donaldson, project manager at Core Main.

Donaldson and Gardner teamed up years ago to lead Girl Power, encouraging young women to keep pushing in life, as setbacks will happen, but it's all about trial and error.

Donaldson encouraged the Class of 2024 to do the same, as she shared Bible verses to get them through the highs and lows of life.

"We are all learning who we are, but God has given us talents and gifts and those talents and gifts define the next steps of our life," she said. "We pray that you will seek God in all that you do."

Donaldson read her favorite verse Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Donaldson reminded the Class of 2024, that graduation was the first milestone of many, with each milestone nearing closer to adulthood.

As students prepare to go to college, enter the workforce, or join the armed forces, Donaldson shares different prayers for them.

Those entering college were read another passage from Proverbs, reminding students that whatever they think in their heart they can do, they will achieve.

"If you decide that you want to be the superintendent of Thomasville City Schools System, you can do that, if that's what is in your heart," she said. "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you."

Donaldson thanked those who have decided to protect and serve the country.

"My prayer for you is Psalm 91," she said. "I pray that God's protection will abide over you always as you call on His name."

She concluded with a prayer for those going into the workforce.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as if you're working for the Lord," she said. "Do the best you can, be the best you can be."

Senior Class Secretary Keely Walden thanked Donaldson for her prayers, also sharing a special thanks to her family, teachers, and coaches who have supported her the past four years.

"Your encouragement and guidance have been the pillar of my success and I'm immensely grateful for every sacrifice you've made to see me thrive," she said. "I couldn't have achieved what I had without you by my side."

With a round of applause, the program concluded with another musical selection by Trulock of "Whenever You Remember," and the benediction by Pastor Tony Bowdry.

The class was then treated to a reception in the Main Gallery.