In the school’s traditional blue caps and gowns, a handful of Macon Early College students walked the stage Sunday to mark their commencement and move on to the next stages of their lives.
The ceremony took place at Discover Church, with friends, family, faculty and former teachers joining the celebration. The ceremony took place on May 17, a day after Southwestern Community College’s graduation. Consequently, many of the MEC students who graduated Sunday had collected an associate degree before receiving their high school diploma.
Ahead of the celebration, principal Caleb Parham met with students in a side room, giving each a marble as part of MEC tradition. As the students took the stage to receive their diplomas, each dropped a marble into a jar before crossing.
“It’s a symbol,” Parham told the students. “It represents everything you have accomplished throughout your life up until this point. It represents the trials and tribulations … especially at MEC. When you drop your marble in your jar, that is you letting go of everything you’ve done before today. It represents letting go of being a student.”
MEC Super Senior Joseph Hammaker gave the student address, telling students about the memories he developed alongside his peers and encouraging them to remember what they accomplished together.
“Just in the last four or five years, you have grown as a person,” he said. “I can promise you that you are not the same person you were when you started as a freshman … When you face something out there that feels too hard, think about the many times at this school you felt the same way. You looked to those around you for guidance, utilized the different skills that you had, and displayed perseverance until the challenge was defeated. I want you all to know that you are able to conquer the things that you face in your life.”
The commencement address was delivered by retiring history teacher Gary Brown. He told students they were needed as bridge builders, willing to go the extra mile in their service to their communities.
“So, what’s next? Many of you have plans for college,” he said. “Some of you may take some time away from school to work and to consider next steps. Some are considering the military – and we thank you for that. If we’re honest, we’re all probably more than a little uncertain about what’s next. I know I am and I’m old enough to have this stuff figured out. But whatever college or career plans you’re considering, I think it’s important to be reminded that when you’re thinking about what you’re going to do, it’s equally important to consider who you’re going to be.”
“My wish for you is to see yourselves the way I see you,” Brown continued. “That part of you that is good and kind and generous. We all have our warts, every one of us. But don’t let that define you. Nurture what Abraham Lincoln called ‘the better angels’ of our nature … hold yourself accountable but remember you’ll need some grace sometimes. So be generous with that, for yourself and for others. I wish you peace and joy and strength for the journey. Much love, much love to you all.”
After Macon County Schools Superintendent Josh Lynch conferred upon the students their diplomas, the graduates were free to move their tassels and throw caps into the air, then visit with loved ones outside.