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High Point grads look to future

| 20 Jun 2017 | 01:25
    PHOTOS BY DIANA GOOVAERTS Valedictorian Kaitlyn DeGroot speaks during the High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19, 2017.
    PHOTOS BY DIANA GOOVAERTS Valedictorian Kaitlyn DeGroot speaks during the High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19, 2017.
    Students throw their caps and confetti at the close of the High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19, 2017.
    Students throw their caps and confetti at the close of the High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19, 2017.
    High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19, 2017.
    High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19, 2017.
    Balloons fly during the High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19.
    Balloons fly during the High Point Regional High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 held June 19.

SUSSEX — Scattered thunderstorms couldn't dampen the spirits of the 241 graduates and their families at High Point Regional High High School's commencement ceremony Monday.
Beach balls and balloons flew as Salutatorian Dakota Voitcu encouraged the Class of 2017 to find something they're passionate about and Valedictorian Kaitlyn DeGroot looked ahead to a future of firsts. But guest speaker and High Point alumnus Mackenzie Arnold reminded students to enjoy the ordinary steps along life's path.
“You won't always love what you do, and that's okay,” Arnold told students. “Sometimes life is beautifully boring. Life isn't an Instagram post.”
Arnold also encouraged students to seek different viewpoints as they make new friends in the years ahead rather than gravitating only toward people who think the same way they do. The Class of 2017 should also remember to give back as much as they get from others, Arnold added.
“The danger of constantly searching for a passion is we forget about the people we meet along the way … we expect too much and give too little,” he said.