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The Hayesville High School Class of 2021 may have experienced a school year like none in history, but 83 graduates persevered and will cross the stage Friday, June 5. For the most part, the 2021 Hayesville High School commencement ceremony will resemble those from previous decades past with the ceremony hosted on the football field. It will probably even look much like the graduation ceremonies many students' parents and grandparents experienced during their own graduations from Hayesville High School years past.
"This will be a return to a normal graduation after being trimmed back so much last July," Hayesville High School principal Stacey Overlin said. "We'll have the band playing, the chorus singing and there are no spectator limits."
According to Overlin, all honors grads were invited to audition a speech; however, Reagan Bunch will be the only student speaker. Hayesville High School has not used titles like Valedictorian for its graduates for many years. HHS does traditionally recognize students with the highest grade point averages.
The students graduating are making big plans for the future, thanks in part to $1.6 million in total scholarships awarded to the class. Overlin said four members of the class of 2021 are joining the military. One is joining the Air Force, two are joining the Army, and one is going into the Navy. Fifty-five graduates plan to attend colleges, universities or technical schools, with majors ranging from education, nursing and psychology, to pre-law, physical therapy, and pre-dentistry. Overlin said he will not have the current state graduation rates until fall, but he believes Hayesville High School will have higher rates than the state average, as they usually do.
As it has for many of the last 30 years or more, the ceremony will be on Friday evening. While a stray shower or thunderstorm is possible Friday, the weather outlook at press time is conducive to a pleasant graduation experience. Just like hundreds of graduates from years past, there should be lots of opportunities for plenty of pictures, hugs between family, and smiles for departing classmates.
"Hayesville High School's graduating class of 2021 has experienced a senior year like no other class before them," said Overlin. "They have handled change and adversity with grace, determination and a positive attitude. Graduating from high school is a milestone for any young person, and each of these graduating seniors is prepared for success with their post-secondary plans. We wish all the best to each and every member of the Class of 2021."