WHS grads relate memories as they look to the future

Dr. Kelly Shelby, WHS superintendent, spoke of the future as he addressed parents and graduating students of 2010 during commencement exercises Sunday, May 16.

Dr. Shelby asked each student to think of the possibilities of their future. He asked them to think of the steps that will be needed to get to that future. Shelby related a story of family and commitment, as related by a person waiting at an airport to pick up a friend. This person watched a young family greeting the husband and father who had just arrived on a recent flight. The father greeted each one of his three children, individually and with great attention, then he said, the best for last as he embraced his wife for a long moment.

The person relating the story then asked the father; How long have you been gone . To which the father replied, Two days The story teller was amazed, for he thought that possibly the father had been gone for weeks, if not months, judging by the reaction of the father to his family. The father then looked at the person and said, this could be you. Think of the realities of life, not what might have been. Life is the opportunities taken, not dreams deferred,” Shelby said.

Valedictorian Reggie Nute spoke to his class asking them to remember all those who made this moment possible. He further asked that each student thank a teacher, parent, friend or staff member who made this day possible. Overall, Reggie asked his fellow graduates to Thank God for this day, as it is not the end, but the beginning of new adventures and experiences. The president of the class of 2010, Stephanie Birdsong, gave the farewell address. She asked students to not forget where they came from, to not forget home and school…and remember all the good times and use any bad times as lessons on our way to the future.”

The 44 graduates of Westran High School will be going on to college, the military, several technical colleges and the world of work. Jon Plotner is planning to continue his technical training at Moberly Area Technical Center focusing on building technology.

I would like to get more training in that area because I plan to eventually have my own construction company. Plotner related.

Hayley Guzman said her plans were to continue my math and accounting classes. “One day I will be a CPA working for a large accounting firm.”