By Ed Simmons, Jr.
cpreporter@lcs.net
"Pomp and Circumstance" rang out Friday evening for 251 Caroline High School seniors at The Meadow Event Park for the first Caroline graduation held at the cavernous Farm Bureau Pavilion.
Space has been an issue at past graduations and crowds have overflowed, but at the new venue Friday there was room to spare. After the JROTC Color Guard smartly marched in the United States and Virginia flags and "The Star-Spangled Banner" blared, Shon Daniels led the Pledge, Mallory Burrell welcomed the Class of 2010, and Kaleysa Dandridge delivered Words of Inspiration urging all "to trust and believe in a Higher Power."
Four students then addressed the class, chosen by committee for their high academic averages and their desire to speak. Kelli Claiborne, an AKA Sorority member and James Farmer Scholars Scholarship winner, told her classmates, "Everything life has to offer is just around the corner."
Jordan Chambers, awarded the Bridgewater College McKinney ACE Scholarship, reminded his fellow students that their understanding and appreciation of their teachers and administrators will grow as each year passes. Emily Gotschalk, Salutatorian and winner of a Christopher Newport University Smithfield-Goodwin Scholarship, described the graduation ceremony as "the culmination of all our successes." And Brandon Cooper, Valedictorian and winner of a Robert C. Byrd Honors $6,000 Scholarship, urged his classmates to "live life to the fullest." Saluting the high school years as "the beginning of our dating life," the students cheered.
Principal Harper Donahoe told the Class of 2010, "I am grateful to you and for you." The seniors cheered again for their retiring teachers, and for 50-year veteran Joanne Blanton who was honored on stage. Delivering a Farewell was Christopher Kittle, winner of a Virginia Military Institute Scholarship Award, who told his classmates, "I'm confident that this class will be successful." "These are memories that will last a lifetime," he said.