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Senior class President Jeran Tenpenny.
It appears the majority of the 193 graduating seniors took advantage of a quality education during their four years at Cannon County High School.
When CCHS Principal Tim Knox asked students who were receiving academic scholarships to stand, more than half of the graduates rose to their feet. They represented more than $901,000 in scholarships. In fact, Cannon County graduates have received just under $2 million in scholarships the last two years.
Senior class President Jeran Tenpenny summed up the quality of the Class of 2011 during his speech.
“I know what great persons each of you are and I know the bright dreams and futures each of you have ahead,” Tenpenny said. “I look forward to seeing the successes that await you and I know there will be many. I am honored to be part of the Class of 2011, and I hope you are as well.”
The general theme during the Class of 2011 graduation was not only to value the education earned but to also make the most of it.
“I know many of you are ready for this next big step, whether it is college or the work force,” said Valedictorian Damian Coomes, as he delivered his speech to his fellow classmates. “High school is over. We are no longer running toward that distant finish line. As you choose your next destination I encourage you to always ask yourself, ‘Is this what I want to do with my life? Am I happy now? All of our futures will be different but never settle for convenience.”
Coomes challenged his classmates to find their own personal success.
“Run toward your dream, run toward your finish line, but never forget to walk and enjoy the sunshine,” Coomes said.
Class of 2011 Salutatorian Jordan Blackburn encouraged classmates to value their education and use it for future successes.
“Do not allow yourself to waste the time you have on this earth,” Blackburn said. “Do not regret things that you could have done, that you should have done. Enjoy the time you have spent here and the experiences you have had. At the same time be excited and prepared for the things that await you. We have run the race with endurance but although we have finished one race, a new one has begun. In this new race there are many different paths that can be taken.”
Speakers also made a point to thank their parents for their upbringing and support.
“God has truly graced me with great parents (Chris and Joanie Blackburn),” Jordan said. “I owe everything to them. They brought me up and they raised me right. The countless things I have learned from them are priceless. Through God’s grace and guidance they have made me who I am today, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Tenpenny also dedicated a portion of his delivery to parents and teachers.
“I look around us at our parents and teachers and I can’t help but to thank them,” Tenpenny said. “Thank them for their love and support, for their guidance and their discipline, for molding us and shaping us into the fine young men and women we have become and will continue to be.”
Following a series of speeches Director of Schools Barbara Parker presented the diplomas to the Cannon County Class of 2011.
