Filled with the hope for the future and the opportunities awaiting them, the Pike County Class of 2015 eagerly welcomed the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another in the book called life.

Valedictorian BreAnna Sewell spoke on her time at Pike County having transferred from Banks School and the classmates and friends she had been fortunate enough to make and how the students could only go up from where they stood now.

“The countdown to this seemed almost never ending but we all can agree now that we are here and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Sewell said. “Now that I have recapped my four years of high school, it’s time to look forward. Even though we have completed 13 years of school, our parents and teachers expect us to go back for a couple more years. Most of my class will continue to college, some will head straight to work and some will be signing to the military. No matter what you decide to do with your future, I can honestly say, after spending four years with all of you, that you are capable of being successful under any circumstances.”

Though high school was tough, especially Mr. Green’s math class, Sewell charged her fellow graduates to step into the real world and strive for success. Her sentiments were echoed by salutatorian Laneisha Magwood, who tearfully told her students to strive and reach for success because no matter what, they would land somewhere among the stars.

“When I take the time to look at the class that sits before me, a very unique group of classmates, I see a variation and most of all I see the future that lies in our hands now,” Magwood said. “Over the years we struggled in Mr. Green’s class, we gained friends, lost friends, we even had makeups and even break ups. Now, it’s time to cross the intersection and get onto a new highway called the Real World. High school was only the small challenge…keep your head held high and think of not only where you come from but where you are heading. Life is not a competition.”

And, for those who had no one to tell them they were proud of them as they received their diplomas Friday, Magwood said it for them.

“If no one said to you how proud of you they are today, I want you to know that me standing here as your salutatorian, I want to tell each and every one of you that I am proud of every last one of you,” Magwood said. “Congratulations, Class of 2015, we made it.”

As the Bulldogs walked across the stage, accepted their diplomas and had their tassels turned, they returned to their seats as graduates with a ticket to the future and a world of opportunities. Isaac Nickson who will attend Alabama State University in the fall and plans to study criminal justice and aviation as well as play football said despite the journey and the time it took to reach that culminating moment, he was ready to see what else life has in store for them.

“I am filled with joy,” Nickson said. “I am so excited right now. I’ve got a lot of emotions. Seeing my family here, knowing that school is over with, I made it, it’s just joyful.”