Commonwealth Journal

It was a difficult year for seniors at Southwestern High School, but the atmos-phere was an optimistic one during this weekend’s graduation ceremony. 

“As a class, we have grown together and experienced things most people can’t experience in a lifetime,” said co-vale-dictorian Hailley White. “These events will be carried on with us for the rest of our lives.”

Many of the 256 seniors receiving their diplomas Sunday wore pins in honor of fellow senior Tyler “Pick” Pickerell, who drowned in early May while kayaking across flooded Lake Cumberland with a friend at the Slate Branch Boat Ramp. Pickerell, a popular, social student, was only around a month away from graduating with his peers at the time of his death on May 5. He had plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University to study to become a nurse.

The seniors’ school year began with turmoil, after two students, Raina Trimble and Chris Campbell, were involved in a serious car accident on Thurman Road on the morning of August 18, 2009. Both Trimble and Campbell were seriously injured in the crash — Campbell even more severely. 

And while their recovery was long and arduous, both seniors were able to join their peers Sunday for the commencement ceremony, in which students speakers shared messages asking that they not take advantage of any moment in their still young lives.

“Let’s live, dream, rejoice, cry, sing, be hopeful, and most importantly, take every chance you dare to find out who you are and know, that in time, every moment in your life, whether it be laughter or tears, is beautiful,” said White.

Five seniors were awarded Commonwealth Diplomas, which are the most difficult high school diplomas to earn in the state of Kentucky. 

To receive a Commonwealth Diploma, a student must complete 24 credit hours in their high school career, they must complete a pre-college curriculum, and they must take a minimum of four college advanced placement courses in language arts, math/science, foreign language and an elective area.

Students must also complete at least three advanced placement exams.  

Those students receiving the diploma were Nathan Burton, Caitlin Flynn, Megan Moody, Eric Price, Robert Ian Shepard and Hailley White.

Several scholarship recipients were also honored, and senior counselor Julie Morgan said those students’ scholarships amounted to more than $300,000 before renewal for all four years of college. 

“We’ve proved here today that our goals can be accomplished,” said salutatorian Eric Price. “Go out into the world and make something of yourself. Everyone here has proved they have the skill set for success. 

“So strive to do more than what you believe,” Price continued. “If you have a strong desire for success, you have a better chance for enjoying your life.”

Co-valedictorian Caitlin Flynn held the same sentiment in her own speech to her peers.

“Do not settle for an unchallenging life, no matter what hardships you have to face,” Flynn said.

The graduation ceremony ended with a prayer spoken by FCA president and senior Kylie Smith in reflection of the year’s tumultuous events — but with a confirmation from Pulaski County Board of Education Chairman William White, the students were ready to look forward to the upcoming chapters in their lives. 

“Time has altered us and it will continue to do so, so take these memories and never forget how you feel in this moment,” White said. “ ... Share what we’ve learned and how we made it through, and how, no matter what time it was, this class of 2010 stayed strong and got through it.”