EA holds Class of 2022 commencement exercises
Published 1:41 pm Friday, May 20, 2022
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Near the end of Escambia Academy’s Class of 2022 graduation exercises May 19, family members and friends were asked to wait for a few more seconds.
As the 15 graduates crowded a portion of the stage at Grace Fellowship Church, a short countdown commenced and then caps went flying in celebration.
Rayvon Barnes Jr., Brian Brown Jr., Julie Conway, Braden Crysell, Emma Hall, Kanye Hooks, Brady Howell (valedictorian), Jamison Janes (salutatorian), Tomorrion Knight Jr., Lillie Lanham, Chris Long, Ja’Daniel (Bubba) Nettles, Landon Sims, Hunter Smith and JJ Stevens earned high school diplomas in front of a big crowd.
“Each of you has had a profound impact on our lives,” Janes said during her address. “We can’t express how grateful we are for you.”
Janes said each year since her seventh grade; her class grew little by little until they settled on their group of 15.
“It feels like I’ve know each of our classmates since forever,” she said.
Janes said each graduate stands before teachers, administrators and family members because all of the hard work and dedication “we put forward.”
“To my classmates, I pray for your success in the future and hope you won’t forget each other as you start a new chapter in your life,” she said. “Be yourself and go out and make a difference in the world.”
Howell encouraged his classmates to be thankful for all things, especially the little moments in life.
“I’ve thought about our journey, and there have been little moments in life and to be thankful for them,” Howell said. “Each day is a blessing and always try to treat it as such.”
Howell said each one of the graduates are destined for great things and are capable of achieving their goals.
“Always shine before others and not before us,” he said. “Enjoy the present, and be thankful for those smaller things.”
Commencement Speaker Cindy Still charged the senior class to think on what they’ve learned throughout their educational journey so far.
“I’ve thought about what my teachers taught me,” she said.
Still then gave brief descriptions of each of her homeroom teachers, and what each taught her.
“I was taught to slow down and focus,” Still said. “Knowing someone’s name and remembering it is vastly important.”
Still emphasized the importance of handwriting, and writing letters. She added that she learned the value of money, and the graduates could be in a situation that they could share what they’ve earned to someone in need in the future.
“Do not dread tomorrow,” she said. “Tomorrow is a day God has given you.”
Still encouraged the graduates to be kind to others.
“Go forth and smile at your future every single day,” she said.
Headmaster Hugh Fountain and David Walker presented diplomas to each of the graduates.
To see the cap toss, click here: IMG_0087
