On to the next big thing

Jessica Walrath sat in her chair eagerly anticipating the final walk she would take as an Oak Grove High School senior.

“I am nervous, excited, sad and happy about graduating,” she said. “To all the future graduates, don’t count the days. Make the days count. Mr. (Randy) McClain said that. It’s good advice.”

Walrath was one of 170 seniors to graduate with the class of 2008 Monday at the Community of Christ Auditorium. Nine of those seniors, graduated at semester. It is the largest class ever to graduate from Oak Grove High School.

In addition, there were four Missouri Bright Flight Scholars, 11 seniors to earn a 4.0 grade point average, one National Merit Scholar and 37 students who completed all college preparatory requirements. The class as a whole, received more than $250,000 in scholarship funds.

“This is a very special class to me for many reasons,” said principal Randy McClain. “I have said that I hope my heart speaks what words never could. You have endured, persevered and overcame much. You’re a strong and very determined group.”

Co-valedictorians Shawn Boss and Ashley Kallas spoke during the commencement exercises.

Boss urged his classmates to not only cherish the past, but live for the future. He said everyone in the class of 2008 is on their way to success.

“Of everything I have done in high school, it is my small part as being part of the class of 2008 that I am most proud of,” he said. “You have the power, class of 2008, so change the world.”

Kallas said receiving a high school diploma is only the beginning. She said although the class will cross the stage as seniors, they are stepping down as graduates of Oak Grove High School.

“We are the future leaders, teachers, store owners, CEOs, mothers and fathers. But we are so much more,” she said. “We are the future. With ambition and desire, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.”

Graduate Ashley Cummings said the thought of being a high school graduate is refreshing. But she will miss much as she enters the next chapter of her life – as a student at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

“It feels really good to be graduating,” she said. “I am not nervous at all. I am excited. It is an amazing feeling right now.”