BROWNSTOWN — Brownstown Central High School seniors tossed their caps into the air signifying the end of high school but also the beginning of a future beyond.
On Saturday, friends, family and mentors of the Class of 2023 filed into the school’s gymnasium to watch 94 seniors graduate during this year’s commencement.
The graduating class was welcomed by senior Jayse Davis. He gave the message to every graduate to not forget the lessons they have learned and to cherish what memories they have created along the way.
“The road ahead may be uncertain, but armed with the knowledge and experiences we’ve gained, we are equipped to face whatever comes our way,” he said. “As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, let us cherish the memories we’ve created within these halls.”
Davis ended his message by encouraging the class to embrace the excitement, savor the moment and embark on this new adventure together one last time.
America’s friendliest neighbor, Fred Rogers, was quoted by senior Madelyn Hackman while addressing her classmates during the ceremony.
“Often, when you think you are at the end of something, you are at the beginning of something else,” she said.
Hackman recounted the numerous times the graduating class faced tough times or adversity and obstacles but stayed steadfast knowing a new beginning was always on the horizon.
“Over the last four years, we certainly had a number of obstacles thrown on our course. Our freshman year, the world changed before we knew it as the coronavirus caused our schooling to randomly stop one day,” she said. “Our future was unknown … through it all, we persisted knowing that with every ending came the promise of a new beginning.”
As the end of high school draws to an end and the graduates begin to say their goodbyes to those who supported them along the way, Hackman encouraged the class to embrace this ending with an open heart and mind.
“For within this moment of finality lies the spark of endless possibility,” she said. “As we step into the next phase of our lives, we are granted a fresh canvas upon which we can paint our dreams and aspirations. We are given the opportunity to redefine ourselves, to explore our passions and to chase after the life we truly desire.”
Hackman closed her speech by reminding the class to think of graduation not as an endpoint but as a launchpad.
“With each ending, we become architects of our own destiny, shaping our future with determination and resilience,” she said.
Members of the advanced choir sang “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks and Ed Lojeski, and the school’s band played “Stand By Me” arranged by Johnnie Vinson.
Principal Joe Sheffer presented the Class of 2023, and diplomas were distributed by Superintendent Tim Taylor and Assistant Principal Maria Conklin.
The farewell speech was given by senior Madison Edwards.
“Although we will grow older physically and mentally as we mature, it doesn’t mean we have to grow up within our hearts,” she said. “This is a quality I hope each and every one of us is able to keep and bring with us as our number of years continue to increase.”
Parents of graduates, BCHS staff and teachers and friends were thanked by Edwards for their roles in supporting students through school.
She closed her farewell speech with a quote by BCHS social studies teacher Randy Greene, the same quote her sister used last year when she gave the farewell speech.
Edwards said it was only right to end the speech with the same quote since he did think they were the same person.
“I bid you all adios, sayonara, arrivederci, good luck, goodbye, good day and enjoy whatever comes next,” she said.
The Class of 2023 then tossed their caps into the air as they begin to embark on new beginnings.
A graduation parade made its way through Brownstown after the ceremony to give seniors the opportunity to say one last goodbye to those who supported them.
Cheering crowds celebrated the graduates on their new accomplishment along the town’s roadways.
The Class of 2023 is the 60th to graduate from Brownstown Central High School, and it’s the 141st to graduate since the first commencement at Brownstown High School in 1881.