64 Receive Diplomas At BHS Graduation

As Thursday night’s Bourbon High School graduation ceremony neared its conclusion, hundreds of attendees were rapidly trying to cool themselves down with their programs.

Even BHS Principal Matt Peregoy was fanning himself as he prepared to deliver the closing remarks.

The school’s best laid plans of moving the ceremony outdoors and away from the cramped, hot and sweltering BHS gymnasium was foiled by rain in the preceding days.

However, 64 seniors received their diplomas and left BHS as graduates.

They celebrated by popping confetti cans with school board members and Peregoy joining in as well.

In his closing remarks, Peregoy said that everyone has their own time machines.

“Some go back — those are your memories,” he said. “Some go forward — those are your dreams. Every experience you have provides you with a memory you can file away in your brains. Good or bad, the memories provide understanding.”

Peregoy said that eventually leads to gaining wisdom.

Then there are dreams.

“Dreams are awesome. They help you see see where you want to go or who you want to be,” he said. “But dreams are unicorns and butterflies. They are unreachable unless you take a step towards them. When you take one step, they come a goal. Don’t discount your dreams. Make them goals. Let your passion burn white-hot.”

Superintendent Dr. Kyle Gibbs addressed graduates and their parents.

“It’s been my honor to serve as your superintendent these last two years,” he told the graduates. “It’s been challenging, but through patience and perseverance, we’ve made it.”

Gibbs told the graduates to think about the people they will matter to throughout their life and their parents.

“You each have had an impact on these young men and women as evidenced by your attendance,” he said to the parents.

Gibbs read from “The Butterfly Effect” — a book that examines how every action sets off another action.

“Think of your butterfly effect,” he said to graduates.

Valedictorian Morgan Louderman and class president Jaylynn Winchester both looked back fondly at their time.

Louderman urged graduates to leave their comfort zones.

“It is important that we go out in the world and gain persepctive,” Louderman said. “We have to be fearless and get out of our comfort zones. Set the tone for your life by trying something new.”

Winchester reminisced about being on the playground and back in the classroom, but conceded that no matter how much she wishes they could go back, they will only go forward.

“Time won’t slow down and the world won’t get easier,” she said.

She closed by thanking her family and classmates.

“We’ve had an amazing time together. Thank you all for being here and showing us it was all worth it.”