CCS graduates told to share gifts; support acknowledged

    The valedictorian and salutatorian of the Chase County Schools Class of ‘21 shared some insights with their classmates as they began a new chapter in their lives.
    Both addressed the class and audience at Saturday’s commencement exercises in the Longhorn gym.
    Alexis Richmond, valedictorian who will study psychology at Vanderbilt, emphasized the need to share talents and give to others.
    Charles Barnes, who will pursue an aerospace engineering degree at the University of Central Florida and the class salutatorian, gave some personal thanks for the support he received—but it applied to his classmates, too.
    “As we take this first step out into the world, I challenge each and every one of you to turn your focus to the contribution you want to make,” Richmond said.
    She took time to acknowledge a number of accomplishments earned by the class.
    The seniors on the girls’ track team have never lost a regular season meet all four years of high school.
    Also on the sports front, five senior boys were part of the basketball team that qualified for state the first time in 17 years.
    Richmond herself, along with two classmates and three others, took the National FFA Senior Parliamentary Procedure title in 2019.
    She also noted how nine members of the class were part of organizations that gave back to the community.
    One of them serves as a member of Imperial EMS.
    “I am constantly amazed at the contribution she is already making in our community,” Richmond said.
    She closed by saying that giving to others has a ripple effect the giver may never see.
    “Please continue to share your gifts and talents with others,” she said.
    “Go do amazing things for this world because, ultimately, it is only in the giving of oneself that we truly live,” she concluded.
    Barnes opened his address saying he’d been looking forward to this moment of graduation.
    “But as we stand here at the threshold of the rest of our lives, I am starting to feel a little nervous,” he admitted.
    But he added, as he looked out into the audience, that he saw and felt a lot of pride and joy, too.
    He thanked his parents, teachers and friends for the support he has received.
    While his classmates may not know what the future holds, he said that’s the beauty of it.
    “You have the rest of your life to decide,” he said.
    In his words before presenting the class ahead of receiving their diplomas, Supt. Adam Lambert asked the graduates to look around in the crowd, and realize all the support out there.
    “They are here because they care about you,” he said.
    With 16 years in education, Lambert told the class he didn’t want to put them asleep with a long talk from an administrator.
    But he did encourage the graduates to remember four points—Be humble, don’t sweat the small stuff, build relationships and realize you are never alone.
    Principal Mike Sorensen welcomed the graduates, families and friends. Morayah Cupp provided an opening message. Brandon Mintling gave closing words.
    A video presentation featured infant and senior photos of each of the graduates and the high school choir entertained with two songs.