Nantahala – There were only six graduates in the Nantahala High School Class of 2022, but there was plenty to celebrate. So much so that Principal Andrew Pyle joked he needed to write all their accomplishments down so he didn’t forget any.
All six seniors graduated Friday with honors, with four also earning an associate of arts degree from Tri-County Community College. All of the seniors were also named Mr. or Ms. Nantahala High School for their high academic marks, community service and positive citizenship – and they will be attending college in the fall.
Due to their litany of accomplishments, Pyle described the Class of 2022 as “diamonds and dynamite.” Both, like Nantahala School, come in small packages.
“You have completed your years of schooling undergoing the pressure involved, and are now diamonds ready to go out and shine with brilliance in whatever you chose to do,” Pyle said. “And I challenge each of you to go about it with the explosive energy of dynamite. Set your goals and aspirations high; do not anyone tell you you can’t accomplish what you set out to do.”
Caylin Adamovich and Dannah Stewart graduated magna cum laude; while Cali Douthit, Sarah Gordon, Breanna Passmore and Aiden West graduated summa cum laude. Gordon, who gave the summa cum laude speech, teared up while thanking the people who helped get her there and her classmates.
“We all have so much to offer that I have seen firsthand,” Gordon said. “I have seen your strength, perseverance, determination and kindness. No matter where we go and what we do, there will be challenges ahead of us. My ongoing challenge to you and myself is to meet those challenges straight on, with your head held high and your heart wide open.”
The seniors started the 2021-22 school year watching the sun rise at the Wayah Bald Fire Tower, and ended it in celebration surrounded by friends and family – with potentially bright futures ahead.
“Graduating is not an ending, it’s the beginning,” Gordon said. “Remember, this may be the end of our high school chapter, but it’s not the end of our story.”