Jefferson graduates 260 seniors

OAK RIDGE — “May your hats fly as high as your dreams,” quoted Salutatorian and Student Council President Halle Music, June 20, at the Jefferson Township High School Class of 2017 Commencement.
Around 260 graduates crossed the JTHS football field to “Pomp and Circumstance,” amid deafening cheers, horn blasts, and bells ringing from family and friends.
Music reminded her classmates to learn through experiences, and “Not to burn bridges in life, because you never know when you will have to walk over them again.” She encouraged everyone to pause and enjoy the moments; be flexible — because no one can predict society in ten years; face fears head on; push outside of one's comfort zone; laugh hard, loud, and especially at oneself.
Valedictorian and Senior Class President Shaun Bishop encouraged his class to never give up and reminded them they can make a difference in the world. He quoted the Navy Seals' Rule: “When you think you are done, you are really only 40 percent done.” Bishop also quoted N.C. State Head Coach Jim Valvano, “Don't give up. Don't ever give up.”
“We are the future of this great country,” he continued, “We must work together to fix the issues which currently plague us and strive to leave this a better place for the generations to come.”
He and Music thanked teachers, fellow graduates, family, friends, and administration for all they had done over the years.
Superintendent Patrick Tierney reminded graduates to reflect on all experiences — both good and bad — which happened at Jefferson. He explained, the experiences are life's way of teaching, plus, to use the experiences to become a better person and make the world a better place.
Board of Education President Jill Van Ness quoted Anne Frank, “Everyone inside of him has a piece of good news.” She also reminded the graduates to live in the moment — even without social media — and to appreciate everything and everyone around them, taking the moment to look up, as they move into the next phase of life: college, military, trade school, or job.
JTHS Principal Timothy Plotts said he was impressed with the highest levels of student achievement in the 2017 senior class — a credit to their work ethic. He said, students will attend the most prestigious colleges and universities, represent the country in the armed forces, with a calling to serve, and enter the full-time work force - contributing as productive members of society.
Plotts reminded them of their school theme, “You can't hide from Falcon pride.” He commended the graduates on overcoming wanted and unwanted changes during the 16/17 school year.
He reminded them of the “shocking change, for both you and me,” when at the end of their Junior year, they heard they would receive a new administration. Coming and meeting them in May, Plotts said, reinforced his belief system that, “No matter what challenges life presents, change is the one constant we cannot control, and we should embrace it.”
He said, he found himself continuously learning from the senior class on how to confront changes, and how to come out on top.”
“It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up,” Plotts quoted from Vince Lombardi.
He acknowledged the many “who help tackle the changes:” teachers, counseling team, support staff – “The facility looks incredible,” administration team, board of education, and parents, who “instill incredible values in our class.”
Plotts also quoted John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”