Saturday, May 24, 1997
Eagle symbol for life, grads told
By LESLIE STRADER / Abilene Reporter-News
The eagle is more than just the mascot for Abilene High School
students, it's a symbol for the rest of their lives, valedictorian
Kevin Singleton told his fellow graduates Thursday night.
More than 470 students received their diplomas last night during
Abilene High's 109th commencement ceremony. Principal Royce Curtis
announced the students received a total of $1.5 million in scholarship
money.
The top two graduates spoke to their classmates about the importance
of gathering strength from the support of others.
And, as if to give a visible example of that backing, Moody
Coliseum was standing room only. The seats were filled with friends
and family members; supporters overflowed into the staircases
and landing areas.
The motto for the class of '97 was the Bible verse found in
Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who wait on the Lord will renew their
strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will
run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."
Salutatorian Corey Tacker - whose mother was valedictorian
some 30 years ago at the "other high school" - noted
that verse means there is strength in numbers, even if it's only
two.
"We don't have to be alone to be strong," he said.
"We can rely on God for help. (There are) others we relied
on for strength in high school - our family, friends and teachers
- and we will continue to."
Singleton said seeing the eagle as he walked through the halls
of Abilene High the past four years was an inspiration.
"We are all eagles symbolically, whether we go to Abilene
High or not," he said. "We're flying from our old life
to a new one. And our achievements don't come naturally. Just
as the eagle needs the wind for support, we also have support
to achieve our goals."
Be like eagles throughout your life, Singleton encouraged the
graduating seniors. Like the bird eyes it prey, keep your eye
on your goals and "strive diligently toward the prize."
And Tacker reminded the students that just as public school
has been a common experience for them, so the next few years will
be. And the best way to be successful is to give each other a
push in the right direction.
"We're all going to the same place - the real world, independence,"
Tacker said. "The need for support is even greater now. But,
together, we will succeed."
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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