Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 14, 1990 TAG: 9006140483
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ELLIE SCHAFFZIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In a standing-room-only crowd at the Roanoke Civic Center Auditorium, the 250 seniors were presented diplomas.
Graduating senior Jodie Moore chimed in with the day's theme by singing and playing the piano accompaniment to an original song, "This Is Our Time."
"Now that Jodie has made me cry . . . " salutatorian Stacey Lyn Edmunds said as she began her speech.
Edmunds recalled her first day of school, when she waited at the bus stop "with all the necessary information pinned on my dress."
Valedictorian Shannon Scott Carter mentioned that day as well, pointing out that while older generations remark on how fast the time has passed, time seemed to move rather slowly to the students themselves.
It is impatience, he said, that deceives them into believing time is passing slowly.
Carter said many of his classmates were probably thinking, "I just want this stupid speech to be over with so I can jump in the car and head for the beach."
He requested their patience just this once, saying they should stop and think about the moment.
He said time does move quickly, and that they should make the most of it.
Two of his classmates have already made the most of their time. Jeanette Faye Ball and Sarah Lorae Bass were commended for their 13 years of perfect attendance.
The request for no applause during the presentation of diplomas was ignored with the calling of the first name: Carter.
He was handed an American flag, courtesy of Rep. Jim Olin, D-Roanoke, who makes this gesture to students who will attend the Air Force Academy.
Carter, an athlete, finished with a grade-point average higher than 4.0.
As the remaining graduates accepted their diplomas, Luther Donald McGhee showed his appreciation by running toward Nancy Spraker, assistant principal, and planting a kiss on her cheek.
by CNB