Tarkington High School’s graduation ceremony faced unexpected challenges this year as severe weather forced a venue change from Tarkington’s outdoor football field to Cleveland High School’s indoor gym.
Despite managing to avoid the worst of the weather, a power outage at the gym triggered emergency generators to operate at reduced capacity, prompting Tarkington ISD leaders to expedite the ceremony. However, amidst the disruption, key highlights such as the salutatorian and valedictorian speeches proceeded as scheduled.
“Graduates, this is your night. Your hard work and dedication is being rewarded. However, your accomplishments should also be attributed to your parents, teachers, other staff of Tarkington ISD, and members of your community that have touched your lives,” said Dr. Elna Davis, superintendent of Tarkington ISD. “
In his speech to the packed gym, Tarkington High School Salutatorian Cayde Squier expressed gratitude and shared reflections with his fellow graduates. He began by thanking God, his family, friends, and teachers for their support.
Squier highlighted the long journey they had shared, noting, “Most of us have been going to school together since we were just 5 years old, so for 13 years we have been around each other constantly.” He acknowledged the significance of their final moment together, stating, “Now is probably the last time we’ll all be together in the same place for the rest of our lives.”
Squier encouraged his classmates to embrace their future paths, whether that involves college, learning trades, beginning careers, or searching for a deeper purpose, emphasizing that “all of these things are okay.” He stressed the importance of personal growth and self-discovery, urging everyone to strive for a meaningful life.
“Everyone has a unique path in life and pursues different things; however, I believe that everyone should strive to live a life worth living,” he said.
Squier advised against dwelling on high school as the peak of their lives, saying, “When you are 40 years old with a family, I hope everyone doesn’t think of high school as ‘good old days.'” Instead, he encouraged them to cherish their time with loved ones, make new friends and memories, and continuously improve.
“Enjoy the time you have with those you love, make friends and memories everywhere you go, and make each day better than the last,” he said. “Good luck, Class of 2024. Live a life worth living.”
Tarkington High School Valedictorian Brooklynn Baker also reflected on shared high school experiences and recounted how her perspective evolved with each grade. Freshman year was about survival, sophomore year was marked by memorable events, junior year was her best year with successes in classes, sports, and friendships, and senior year brought overwhelming responsibilities and future planning.
She emphasized the importance of living in the moment, stating, “If there is anything you all are listening to me say, it is to take a step back and enjoy the value of a moment before it becomes a memory.”
Baker highlighted the inevitability of changing perspectives over time and the significance of cherishing present moments.
“Your perspective will change as you grow, the most important thing or goal in your life right now will not be the same in a couple of years, or a couple of years past that,” she said.
Baker acknowledged the bittersweet transition from high school to college but expressed faith in God’s plans for their futures.
She ended by thanking everyone who supported her, especially her parents and sister, and shared a bit of wisdom about human connections.
“Remember, people will forget what you do and what you say, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” she said.
Baker concluded her speech by expressing her pride in her classmates and offered well-wishes for their futures.
“I want to say I am beyond proud of the Class of 2024. I wish you all the best in whatever God’s plan has for you. Thank you,” she said.
