By Anngee Quinones-Belian
Staff Correspondent
Murphy – Elementary, middle and high school years have come to a final end for 18 students of The Oaks Academy, Cherokee County’s alternative school in Marble.
Graduating seniors gathered Thursday night, along with family and friends, at Murphy First United Methodist Church for a celebration of the Class of 2023. The students appeared excited and playful as about 200 people looked on.
Principal Carmen Garland said she was proud of each student.
“They’ve overcome a lot of obstacles, and they have persevered,” she said. “There’s a lot to celebrate tonight.”
During the ceremony, graduating student Brandon Tony Thrasher was awarded the Steve Bias Scholarship. Bias was an educator who had strong morals and values. He started working with The Oaks Academy in 2013 and loved the students, accepting them as they are while challenging them to be better.
In 2016, Bias passed away and, shortly thereafter, a scholarship was set up in his honor going to the student who has overcome personal adversity. Thrasher was sporting a kiss mark from his mother on his left cheek.
Zach Orton, agency manager for N.C. Farm Bureau in Murphy, was a guest speaker at the ceremony. His advice to the group included being kind and humble, to have and set goals, and to have grit.
“You don’t have to be smart or have a lot of money,” he said. “You just have to have that ability to keep coming back day after day after day, that’s grit.”
John Worden, The Oaks’ Teacher of the Year, also offered words of wisdom to the graduates.
“As you go through life, don’t forget to actually live it. Experience cool things. Keep your mind open to new things, and clear enough to remember what you did and learn from it. Be honest, truthful and respectful of yourself and others,” he said.
“Be humble enough to learn from your mistakes, and be smart enough to learn from other people’s mistakes. Always appreciate what you have. Be proud of who you are, your family, your heritage and your country.”
When asked who his biggest inspiration was, Thrasher said, “I was my biggest inspiration.” He plans on taking wielding at Tri-County Community College and eventually having a nice home, car and helping his family.
His advice to younger kids: “Just try your best. You can do it, no matter who says you can’t.”
“My grandfather was my biggest inspiration. He was the one who pushed me the most to go to school,”said Hailey Pressley, who may pursue a career in teaching.
Jessie Brown said of her future, “I’d like to work at the (Valley River Humane Society) and probably go to Tri-County college for forensics.”
At the end of the ceremony, several graduates tossed their caps into the air. While one member of the class was hit with a cap returning to the ground, he was still all smiles. Next year, The Oaks will be at the Schools of Innovation in Peachtree.