Amherst H.S. graduates 329 students

By Dave Thompson

Published: June 4, 2008

Liberty University’s Vines Center filled up for Amherst County High School’s graduation ceremony on May 30.

The school’s 52nd commencement, which included 329 students, featured an emotional send-off for Superintendent John Walker, who recently resigned from the school system to take a position at Lynchburg College.

Principal Ernest T. Guill recognized Walker for his leadership, and service.

“We would like to acknowledge Dr. Walker’s leadership in Amherst County Public Schools and wish him good luck in his new position,” he said, receiving an ovation from the audience.

A student quartet opened the ceremony with “The Star Spangled Banner,” followed by the welcome address, given by Jericho Leftwich.

Valedictorian Randall Morcom and Salutatorian Kaitlyn Pendleton both addressed the audience, giving thoughts on their respective experiences.

Pendleton talked about the challenges to come, encouraging students that the end of their high school experience was just the beginning of something else.

“As we accept our diplomas, we take on the responsibility of rising gas prices, global warming, natural disasters, wars and terrorism,” she said. “We become the future and the leaders of tomorrow.”

She said the choices made by the upcoming generation would have a profound effect on the way things turned out.

“We have the ability to change it all, depending on what choices we make as we walk out those doors.”

Morcom emphasized the importance of memories, especially with the realization that many friends from high school would move on, and contacts would be abruptly broken off.

“Be sure to remember all the times you laughed with a student in class because the teacher said something funny, all the times you cried with a friend because the stress just became too much, and all the times you cried together because you were laughing so hard that your stomach hurt,” Morcom said. “Those are the memories that last a lifetime, and are worth treasuring.”

After receiving their diplomas, the students filed out between two rows of professors, lined up on the floor of the Vines Center, exchanging handshakes, hugs and a few tears.

Pendleton charged the students not to be timid or to think they didn’t have what it takes to make a difference.

“I hope that you’re able to take what you’ve learned at Amherst County High School and change the world, because I know each of us is capable,” she said.