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BHS Sends Off 63 Graduates

Bourbon High School graduated 63 seniors on Friday night in a 47-minute ceremony that packed the gymnasium.

BHS Principal Dena Smith welcomed the Class of 2019 graduates for the last time. She is leaving the district after 16 years. 

“Even though I won’t be in the area next year, you will always be in my heart and I will always be around if you need me,” Smith said. 

Class president Derian Parker told his fellow graduates that he had high hopes for all.

“Each and every one of you is destined for greatness,” he said.

Salutatorian Austin Carrico gave a nod to his favorite sitcom “The Office” and compared their graduation to Michael Scott, the show’s protagonist who left after seven seasons.

“Although he left his home, his legacy lives on, much like all of ours when we leave Bourbon High School,” Carrico said.

Valedictorian Morgan Langley told her classmates that they had a lot to be thankful from, especially each other.

“The friendships we have made here will last a lifetime,” she said. “I hope we will continue to support each other in the future.”

Langley said that no matter what their futures hold, there will be times in their lives where self-doubt will stand in the way. She encouraged her graduates to look to people such as Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Michael Jordan and Abraham Lincoln as to what can be overcome.

“If there is anything Bourbon has taught us, it is to never let anyone tell you that ‘can’t,’” she concluded.

Superintendent Patricia Thompson, who is retiring after 29 years in education, said that it has been a pleasure to watch the Class of 2019. For students who attended Bourbon all 13 years, they had Thompson as their elementary school principal through third grade.

“It gives me great pride to see you all across the stage,” she said.

Thompson is a fan of poetry and leaves each class with one that will define the next chapter in their lives. For the Class of 2019, she chose an excerpt from Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” which she read to them as Starhawks of the Month when they were in first grade.

“You’re off to great places, 

Today is your day, 

Your mountain is waiting, 

So get on your way!”

Sullivan Independent News

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