Murphy Fireworks went off a little bit early during Murphy High School’s graduation Friday night. It was almost fitting for the Class of 2022, which learned to expect the unexpected during their four years.
“I do not have to tell you what a special class this is,” Principal Lisa Fletcher said. “Their four years of high school were not traditional, yet they persevered right on through. I’m blessed to be their principal.”
Graduate Hugh Martin told the class the ceremony was a testament to how far the group has come, what it has accomplished, and the many years and memories the 81 graduates will share for the rest of their lives.
“We are one of a kind and unmatched in our own ways because not every class can win five state championships, not every class can pull off putting a ‘Road Closed’ sign above the front entrance of the school, and no other class can create a student section so loud that our state forces us to move to the opposite side of the gym,” he said with a smile.
Martin noted that the class had taken some “hard hits,” largely related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We struggled to stay motivated, to stay healthy and to stay hopeful,” Martin said. “I don’t think many people realize just how hard we had to fight for the future we knew that we deserved, but we didn’t quit.
“Over these two years, we dedicated ourselves to our work, our school, our clubs, our sports and our community. We learned a lot about ourselves and the paths we want to take after we leave.”
Torin Rogers, Murphy’s career technical education honor graduate, said her high school years have been defined by the people she spent the most time with. Rogers told the class to carry that lesson forward in life, carefully choosing the people who are part of their lives.
“No matter where you are or what you choose to do with your life, you have to be surrounded by good people,” Rogers said. “ ... It is essential that each and every one of us go out and find the relationships that truly matter.
“Find the people who love you for being yourself and the people who willingly embrace every single little thing about you. Once you find your people, those relationships are something that will be worth putting effort into, because at the end of the day, you’re going to need your people.”